From: Neil Smith Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2016 15:35:04 +0000 (+0000) Subject: More tweaking X-Git-Url: https://git.njae.me.uk/?a=commitdiff_plain;h=883806cc09a0d9a47dfb2e5439cdb73dcf2209b5;p=cipher-training.git More tweaking --- diff --git a/SIGNED.md b/SIGNED.md index 5b46ad5..9e2c50b 100644 --- a/SIGNED.md +++ b/SIGNED.md @@ -3,19 +3,19 @@ -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v2 -iQIcBAABCAAGBQJWjpTaAAoJEJPB2e07Pgbqh6IP/3ZEzWXxCdqrHoXYRRuRvP3U -7Q8FJro7m+dW0gV3R+0BvcJx7hmepvU8Hr4O4RLTQ3AWnlVSorMGFgOoZ3XLYvZl -YACQU4q8Cy3PB2nm8/Mcj/yLVyiyGanxYaxGhBoYSUnaE6ncJ8wod3iGHwQouIgA -sQmaJSoBj0RuYCcTlg8ipOmwZ/doNjKcFbmJQx7BRdlaQ1QQtqyDJgX6y0e4snU0 -ktcu0dCwroyAzu+HXQE5prhsB3x3UHzTq3VwIIgeNnO/Hye9LXgrT8fSdY54YndU -E/S/gUD8/jB5TFTdHVmAEQAqg/YHXc49o1taPU+NU6hSl9EDmhM7CacBu+//VUy4 -VXjFFWJV9YFX6yhaNHSS5Vuz7h8oXKOQwGYa4dMlrGl912MnOHl+WjCDjcHL+0ht -cFfEq3OgQDL4Q7Eln1bW7VwYDcpId1yNYcuHvd+h3bSzAxNtMcjH3Sim7EDcFP2z -n6nuwFNdfY+drpAllw1df8QotFP8vkiA3O9sUtTIJkECmu9vGqJDfujhBOhPNQxk 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429b6c6995096ff19c28a5ee342bef8ea4774200bdf9aaf6268de3cb8b28df28 61 README.md 277247b410300ee16477b12ca54ad878d81c8061f6134e2e1cadccaf299de3a3 -469 affine_break_parameter_trials.csv 1a9d635d0af2f41fc6f1e83ae87d6372034259321ba288a11fb024e98ed52f4f|dd9c840434de596a30c84e79de26a9824b36c217a84876c2aab0579b76999735 +569 affine_break_parameter_trials.csv 6593e15e63e3e5632222fece8971ab473a7cdcf43020cd279e6f926cac0445fd|80705a44f33ed99ee08ed7d80e18945e84a2ae60afa1b39c331fa6bf58e21115 6488666 big.txt fa066c7d40f0f201ac4144e652aa62430e58a6b3805ec70650f678da5804e87b 16832 cadenus-ciphers.ipynb 50e49b3ec5e6440b86fe13472b9f4ab9e133e5665c7280b2abf7a6b57bb8a89a -514 caesar_break_parameter_trials.csv 6586223bcc00e06e3ff79d107202d6c29ef962a6dd544add00610c5907407e85|1cb7cc77831ef3ef4f994a9ea77e82a841b38acdde45ede9cedbe7a54f1e8e46 +514 caesar_break_parameter_trials.csv cafee5b7e752807f856090b527870fc3a189de325e41c09c2933fe7bf5efcbe5|54761ff222587ae788d3213505308b631a8a3f17793beb3fbf492bfdaba320c3 318 cipher-training.sublime-project 58e5d5b4e54fb29abecaef2d41266e3355adccb8b6a70bd595e509bd07c16587 42922 cipher.py 58637b8946b4fb973b19a374a2066a896d86c928dacaa1ccd2252e6f8bb6e810 -28908 cipherbreak.py 0fb22645ddce4e04c7e441a1f7bdc0e4a397a3c9b2cfb3098bcb213e79a361c9 +28937 cipherbreak.py 5ba9424badfed9721f8f6f044e636b693105fbbdb03ad65907c10c25a26ac760 11564 count_1edit.txt 3bf563ef032ba151ec1a4b2d1f33f50c49f4a47e4dc5b8152394bc5b63f57655|b5fbacbebcc25f5011ce97bc9ac967a09c50eef28b4aa98379a6c426df6ac08b 223 count_1l.txt 335388d457db6ef1da05d8b55ab879e9be7d4e021085efc8d9dfeac0e4a79aa9 4956241 count_1w.txt 51df159fd3de12b20e403c108f526e96dbd723d9cabdd5f17955cdc16059e690 @@ -159,20 +157,21 @@ size exec file contents 5566017 count_2w.txt 781c0596c3eea532d30bef9f3dba1d5137d652f00376260822c761a7584dfb8c 220441 count_3l.txt 8702c95530c7d0d182ab94dc03ed7681fcf969819f6db011a58de31411dc6365 320508 count_big.txt 3ba257fba1934bd138413d8274e79b56c5992431a27692fd562929aa43ec01a3 -3355 find_best_affine_break_parameters.py 6b11004bb93ac26ec7d42d33504e758edbaf9d55365ae2e4ca2fca7589263f25 -3027 find_best_caesar_break_parameters.py 0347d80309179d937a88fd1c8684490a513ccd086366c5a0dd55b8a2fe5c565f +3348 find_best_affine_break_parameters.py b08fbccd56f7a3243cde14bd895e8ca417b89cd0faaced9a0e68ecb372ffcc14 +3020 find_best_caesar_break_parameters.py 7119e2eea7c138e133b6f2df691af9e1128ff10d2b6ae16f32b0c0b35e488d76 1236 find_wikipedia_titles.py f040bf855dfec7fff9d8e5eba2fb509179bc53bc02a20b26b7fc61fef983aa45 37128 hill-ciphers.ipynb ce802c2be807b4565858b568d3a82c65a3957aa625344189f8f2a055237b3fdd 5645 language_models.py bfd5b60cdef8af20cdb061b24a1691f569984be3be333782c3d76e3370e16d14 368 lettercount.py ed36497d62cf75b91994055e4a18848b2fabe5ce793cd76a77fabfc94d81d4f3 592 make-cracking-dictionary.py 71791e64e4853cd9ca292cb436bbe8c72dd60f509811174df93ed2067683d5c1 -7077 norms.py a657a36c1741e6f3a513386b318fcc99e6b11f98ec64a48284b47462ff2acf30 +7070 norms.py c80289c5769e518ea40a7de85c869febab2e6d40c64a596bcd2a13ea2a9ece1a 8411 norms.pyc ac7a18765c7bcc27e406d8f38d943408097b3384a271502185d53482e6ec0da7|002b186e716cec64869a00bd2d72e16614931e696daa0cf3529d634a0f270e42 112847 plot-caesar-parameters.ipynb 639459b4b2e434f9f0852c012ed9a8a8d87bd1cb6c2d65ca5abfdb0e42c3dea6 23863 railfence-experiment-1.ipynb e34a61cef19b3249a3d6d731fe054769c02233b0be661161ebf45bada3b7b97b 18628 railfence-experiment-2.ipynb 8c4d90c1c934b764deba0956bb4be81868e463789dc8fe02e5621ab3a95c0889 881 segment.py 94d257cc6151861ef3d3033c4d2d03d8c121b0a982344abf400f65fd507fed28 4538523 shakespeare.txt 6f9c770efced5c3d87efa6197cd3091b982341372e36c6357f865df91ddecde6 +592309 sherlock-holmes.txt 0027de6f4110440ea51d67a2f3af3484898c630808f13b1d4db108e6283e67a3|2034ee1ebdec47e839607124d22b674d4614e1cc6209d758f7b6e99e69ae8e08 451530 spell-errors.txt a4abe6ce6c24280f9a8d0485cbf78ddd2e58279ca01293692630a08ba4b13407 69351 unknown-word-probability-investigation.ipynb 8a9cd7163f10bf2bfb3e286445eddcfc953f80abfdef4e29dac27617a53c3d41 3291641 war-and-peace.txt 3ed0f41cfdf660846878943bad5b9d575bcae1e4a92ee9a7f43d3c9dba2af344|6799e48d3fd0a6f4c40b9951ec86de6da81f0b9cd36e413490ac511542ca54d3 diff --git a/affine_break_parameter_trials.csv b/affine_break_parameter_trials.csv index 75f3f16..0f80af9 100644 --- a/affine_break_parameter_trials.csv +++ b/affine_break_parameter_trials.csv @@ -1,10 +1,10 @@ -"name",500,250,100,50,20 -"Pletters",2442,2425,2550,2461,2067 -"cosine_similarity + euclidean_scaled",2487,2492,2513,2455,1731 -"cosine_similarity + normalised",2503,2573,2454,2435,1680 -"l1 + euclidean_scaled",2495,2477,2506,2419,1812 -"l1 + normalised",2488,2521,2465,2466,1895 -"l2 + euclidean_scaled",2524,2467,2529,2470,1763 -"l2 + normalised",2566,2545,2481,2433,1756 -"l3 + euclidean_scaled",2444,2458,2560,2426,1582 -"l3 + normalised",2476,2524,2463,2354,1433 +"name",2000,1000,500,250,100,50,20 +"Pletters",2510,2528,2533,2491,2555,2479,2076 +"cosine_similarity + euclidean_scaled",2496,2487,2507,2473,2496,2456,1761 +"cosine_similarity + normalised",2540,2451,2509,2474,2529,2451,1717 +"l1 + euclidean_scaled",2524,2473,2491,2483,2488,2497,1840 +"l1 + normalised",2504,2452,2495,2516,2497,2456,1797 +"l2 + euclidean_scaled",2449,2446,2516,2523,2447,2453,1666 +"l2 + normalised",2511,2501,2533,2541,2513,2454,1721 +"l3 + euclidean_scaled",2513,2536,2493,2513,2503,2420,1560 +"l3 + normalised",2498,2529,2473,2488,2511,2403,1422 diff --git a/caesar_break_parameter_trials.csv b/caesar_break_parameter_trials.csv index a414d22..2cb75e9 100644 --- a/caesar_break_parameter_trials.csv +++ b/caesar_break_parameter_trials.csv @@ -1,10 +1,10 @@ "name",100,50,30,20,10,5 -"Pletters",4995,4997,4971,4893,4092,2401 -"cosine_similarity + euclidean_scaled",4997,4980,4915,4671,3590,2174 -"cosine_similarity + normalised",4999,4993,4931,4660,3559,2207 -"l1 + euclidean_scaled",4997,4995,4950,4761,3751,2175 -"l1 + normalised",4999,4993,4950,4770,3662,2188 -"l2 + euclidean_scaled",4997,4991,4914,4664,3579,2209 -"l2 + normalised",4998,4988,4915,4637,3536,2195 -"l3 + euclidean_scaled",4997,4979,4822,4477,3243,1978 -"l3 + normalised",4999,4959,4774,4351,2966,1949 +"Pletters",4996,4997,4984,4900,4063,2358 +"cosine_similarity + euclidean_scaled",4998,4986,4914,4659,3528,2198 +"cosine_similarity + normalised",4997,4993,4917,4659,3557,2084 +"l1 + euclidean_scaled",4998,4992,4951,4755,3767,2192 +"l1 + normalised",4998,4996,4936,4767,3596,2161 +"l2 + euclidean_scaled",4998,4990,4926,4683,3567,2179 +"l2 + normalised",4995,4993,4920,4672,3610,2135 +"l3 + euclidean_scaled",4996,4964,4822,4457,3167,2018 +"l3 + normalised",4999,4973,4797,4351,2872,1989 diff --git a/cipherbreak.py b/cipherbreak.py index 0ac8ae5..1a589c2 100644 --- a/cipherbreak.py +++ b/cipherbreak.py @@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ def column_transposition_break_mp(message, translist=transpositions, with Pool() as pool: helper_args = [(message, trans, fillcolumnwise, emptycolumnwise, fitness) - for trans in translist.keys() + for trans in translist for fillcolumnwise in [True, False] for emptycolumnwise in [True, False]] # Gotcha: the helper function here needs to be defined at the top level @@ -489,7 +489,7 @@ def amsco_break(message, translist=transpositions, patterns = [(1, 2), (2, 1)], (5, 0, 6, 1, 3, 4, 2): ['fourteen'], \ (6, 1, 0, 4, 5, 3, 2): ['keyword']}, \ patterns=[(1, 2)]) # doctest: +ELLIPSIS - (((2, 0, 5, 3, 1, 4, 6), (1, 2)), -709.4646722...) + (((2, 0, 5, 3, 1, 4, 6), (1, 2), ), -709.4646722...) >>> amsco_break(amsco_transposition_encipher(sanitise( \ "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in \ possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However \ @@ -502,11 +502,11 @@ def amsco_break(message, translist=transpositions, patterns = [(1, 2), (2, 1)], (5, 0, 6, 1, 3, 4, 2): ['fourteen'], \ (6, 1, 0, 4, 5, 3, 2): ['keyword']}, \ patterns=[(1, 2), (2, 1)], fitness=Ptrigrams) # doctest: +ELLIPSIS - (((2, 0, 5, 3, 1, 4, 6), (2, 1)), -997.0129085...) + (((2, 0, 5, 3, 1, 4, 6), (2, 1), ), -997.0129085...) """ with Pool() as pool: helper_args = [(message, trans, pattern, fillstyle, fitness) - for trans in translist.keys() + for trans in translist for pattern in patterns for fillstyle in fillstyles] # Gotcha: the helper function here needs to be defined at the top level @@ -588,13 +588,13 @@ def pocket_enigma_break_by_crib(message, wheel_spec, crib, crib_position): def plot_frequency_histogram(freqs, sort_key=None): - x = range(len(freqs.keys())) - y = [freqs[l] for l in sorted(freqs.keys(), key=sort_key)] + x = range(len(freqs)) + y = [freqs[l] for l in sorted(freqs, key=sort_key)] f = plt.figure() ax = f.add_axes([0.1, 0.1, 0.9, 0.9]) ax.bar(x, y, align='center') ax.set_xticks(x) - ax.set_xticklabels(sorted(freqs.keys(), key=sort_key)) + ax.set_xticklabels(sorted(freqs, key=sort_key)) f.show() diff --git a/find_best_affine_break_parameters.py b/find_best_affine_break_parameters.py index e3d6bad..ff74e6a 100644 --- a/find_best_affine_break_parameters.py +++ b/find_best_affine_break_parameters.py @@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ def show_results(): writer = csv.DictWriter(f, ['name'] + message_lengths, quoting=csv.QUOTE_NONNUMERIC) writer.writeheader() - for scoring in sorted(scores.keys()): + for scoring in sorted(scores): scores[scoring]['name'] = scoring writer.writerow(scores[scoring]) diff --git a/find_best_caesar_break_parameters.py b/find_best_caesar_break_parameters.py index 7a550aa..7a8ddc9 100644 --- a/find_best_caesar_break_parameters.py +++ b/find_best_caesar_break_parameters.py @@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ def show_results(): writer = csv.DictWriter(f, ['name'] + message_lengths, quoting=csv.QUOTE_NONNUMERIC) writer.writeheader() - for scoring in sorted(scores.keys()): + for scoring in sorted(scores): scores[scoring]['name'] = scoring writer.writerow(scores[scoring]) diff --git a/norms.py b/norms.py index 6645294..eb436c3 100644 --- a/norms.py +++ b/norms.py @@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ def cosine_similarity(frequencies1, frequencies2): for k in frequencies1: numerator += frequencies1[k] * frequencies2[k] length1 += frequencies1[k]**2 - for k in frequencies2.keys(): + for k in frequencies2: length2 += frequencies2[k]**2 return numerator / (length1 ** 0.5 * length2 ** 0.5) diff --git a/sherlock-holmes.txt b/sherlock-holmes.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..75de0e2 --- /dev/null +++ b/sherlock-holmes.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12648 @@ +THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES + +by + +SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE + + + + I . A Scandal in Bohemia + II . The Red - headed League + III . A Case of Identity + IV . The Boscombe Valley Mystery + V . The Five Orange Pips + VI . The Man with the Twisted Lip + VII . The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle +VIII . The Adventure of the Speckled Band + IX . The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb + X . The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor + XI . The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet + XII . The Adventure of the Copper Beeches + + + + +ADVENTURE I . A SCANDAL IN BOHEMIA + +I . + +To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman . I have seldom heard +him mention her under any other name . In his eyes she eclipses +and predominates the whole of her sex . It was not that he felt +any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler . All emotions , and that +one particularly , were abhorrent to his cold , precise but +admirably balanced mind . He was , I take it , the most perfect +reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen , but as a +lover he would have placed himself in a false position . He never +spoke of the softer passions , save with a gibe and a sneer . They +were admirable things for the observer - excellent for drawing the +veil from men's motives and actions . But for the trained reasoner +to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely +adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which +might throw a doubt upon all his mental results . Grit in a +sensitive instrument , or a crack in one of his own high - power +lenses , would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a +nature such as his . And yet there was but one woman to him , and +that woman was the late Irene Adler , of dubious and questionable +memory . + +I had seen little of Holmes lately . My marriage had drifted us +away from each other . My own complete happiness , and the +home - centred interests which rise up around the man who first +finds himself master of his own establishment , were sufficient to +absorb all my attention , while Holmes , who loathed every form of +society with his whole Bohemian soul , remained in our lodgings in +Baker Street , buried among his old books , and alternating from +week to week between cocaine and ambition , the drowsiness of the +drug , and the fierce energy of his own keen nature . He was still , +as ever , deeply attracted by the study of crime , and occupied his +immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in +following out those clues , and clearing up those mysteries which +had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police . From time +to time I heard some vague account of his doings : of his summons +to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder , of his clearing up +of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee , +and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so +delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland . +Beyond these signs of his activity , however , which I merely +shared with all the readers of the daily press , I knew little of +my former friend and companion . + +One night - it was on the twentieth of March , 1888 - I was +returning from a journey to a patient ( for I had now returned to +civil practice , when my way led me through Baker Street . As I +passed the well - remembered door , which must always be associated +in my mind with my wooing , and with the dark incidents of the +Study in Scarlet , I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes +again , and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers . +His rooms were brilliantly lit , and , even as I looked up , I saw +his tall , spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against +the blind . He was pacing the room swiftly , eagerly , with his head +sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him . To me , who +knew his every mood and habit , his attitude and manner told their +own story . He was at work again . He had risen out of his +drug - created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new +problem . I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which +had formerly been in part my own . + +His manner was not effusive . It seldom was ; but he was glad , I +think , to see me . With hardly a word spoken , but with a kindly +eye , he waved me to an armchair , threw across his case of cigars , +and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner . Then he +stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular +introspective fashion . + +" Wedlock suits you " he remarked . " I think , Watson , that you have +put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you " + +" Seven " I answered . + +" Indeed , I should have thought a little more . Just a trifle more , +I fancy , Watson . And in practice again , I observe . You did not +tell me that you intended to go into harness " + +" Then , how do you know " + +" I see it , I deduce it . How do I know that you have been getting +yourself very wet lately , and that you have a most clumsy and +careless servant girl " + +" My dear Holmes " said I , " this is too much . You would certainly +have been burned , had you lived a few centuries ago . It is true +that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful +mess , but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you +deduce it . As to Mary Jane , she is incorrigible , and my wife has +given her notice , but there , again , I fail to see how you work it +out " + +He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long , nervous hands +together . + +" It is simplicity itself " said he ; " my eyes tell me that on the +inside of your left shoe , just where the firelight strikes it , +the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts . Obviously they +have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round +the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it . +Hence , you see , my double deduction that you had been out in vile +weather , and that you had a particularly malignant boot - slitting +specimen of the London slavey . As to your practice , if a +gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform , with a black +mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger , and a bulge +on the right side of his top - hat to show where he has secreted +his stethoscope , I must be dull , indeed , if I do not pronounce +him to be an active member of the medical profession " + +I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his +process of deduction . " When I hear you give your reasons " I +remarked , " the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously +simple that I could easily do it myself , though at each +successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you +explain your process . And yet I believe that my eyes are as good +as yours " + +" Quite so " he answered , lighting a cigarette , and throwing +himself down into an armchair . " You see , but you do not observe . +The distinction is clear . For example , you have frequently seen +the steps which lead up from the hall to this room " + +" Frequently " + +" How often " + +" Well , some hundreds of times " + +" Then how many are there " + +" How many ? I don't know " + +" Quite so ! You have not observed . And yet you have seen . That is +just my point . Now , I know that there are seventeen steps , +because I have both seen and observed . By - the - way , since you are +interested in these little problems , and since you are good +enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences , you +may be interested in this " He threw over a sheet of thick , +pink - tinted note - paper which had been lying open upon the table . +" It came by the last post " said he . " Read it aloud " + +The note was undated , and without either signature or address . + +" There will call upon you to - night , at a quarter to eight +o'clock " it said , " a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a +matter of the very deepest moment . Your recent services to one of +the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may +safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which +can hardly be exaggerated . This account of you we have from all +quarters received . Be in your chamber then at that hour , and do +not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask " + +" This is indeed a mystery " I remarked . " What do you imagine that +it means " + +" I have no data yet . It is a capital mistake to theorize before +one has data . Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit +theories , instead of theories to suit facts . But the note itself . +What do you deduce from it " + +I carefully examined the writing , and the paper upon which it was +written . + +" The man who wrote it was presumably well to do " I remarked , +endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes . " Such paper +could not be bought under half a crown a packet . It is peculiarly +strong and stiff " + +" Peculiar - that is the very word " said Holmes . " It is not an +English paper at all . Hold it up to the light " + +I did so , and saw a large " E " with a small " g " a " P " and a +large " G " with a small " t " woven into the texture of the paper . + +" What do you make of that " asked Holmes . + +" The name of the maker , no doubt ; or his monogram , rather " + +" Not at all . The ' G ' with the small ' t ' stands for +' Gesellschaft ' which is the German for ' Company ' It is a +customary contraction like our ' Co ' ' P ' of course , stands for +' Papier ' Now for the ' Eg ' Let us glance at our Continental +Gazetteer " He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves . +" Eglow , Eglonitz - here we are , Egria . It is in a German - speaking +country - in Bohemia , not far from Carlsbad . ' Remarkable as being +the scene of the death of Wallenstein , and for its numerous +glass - factories and paper - mills ' Ha , ha , my boy , what do you +make of that " His eyes sparkled , and he sent up a great blue +triumphant cloud from his cigarette . + +" The paper was made in Bohemia " I said . + +" Precisely . And the man who wrote the note is a German . Do you +note the peculiar construction of the sentence - ' This account of +you we have from all quarters received ' A Frenchman or Russian +could not have written that . It is the German who is so +uncourteous to his verbs . It only remains , therefore , to discover +what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and +prefers wearing a mask to showing his face . And here he comes , if +I am not mistaken , to resolve all our doubts " + +As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses ' hoofs and +grating wheels against the curb , followed by a sharp pull at the +bell . Holmes whistled . + +" A pair , by the sound " said he . " Yes " he continued , glancing +out of the window . " A nice little brougham and a pair of +beauties . A hundred and fifty guineas apiece . There's money in +this case , Watson , if there is nothing else " + +" I think that I had better go , Holmes " + +" Not a bit , Doctor . Stay where you are . I am lost without my +Boswell . And this promises to be interesting . It would be a pity +to miss it " + +" But your client -" + +" Never mind him . I may want your help , and so may he . Here he +comes . Sit down in that armchair , Doctor , and give us your best +attention " + +A slow and heavy step , which had been heard upon the stairs and +in the passage , paused immediately outside the door . Then there +was a loud and authoritative tap . + +" Come in " said Holmes . + +A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six +inches in height , with the chest and limbs of a Hercules . His +dress was rich with a richness which would , in England , be looked +upon as akin to bad taste . Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed +across the sleeves and fronts of his double - breasted coat , while +the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined +with flame - coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch +which consisted of a single flaming beryl . Boots which extended +halfway up his calves , and which were trimmed at the tops with +rich brown fur , completed the impression of barbaric opulence +which was suggested by his whole appearance . He carried a +broad - brimmed hat in his hand , while he wore across the upper +part of his face , extending down past the cheekbones , a black +vizard mask , which he had apparently adjusted that very moment , +for his hand was still raised to it as he entered . From the lower +part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character , +with a thick , hanging lip , and a long , straight chin suggestive +of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy . + +" You had my note " he asked with a deep harsh voice and a +strongly marked German accent . " I told you that I would call " He +looked from one to the other of us , as if uncertain which to +address . + +" Pray take a seat " said Holmes . " This is my friend and +colleague , Dr . Watson , who is occasionally good enough to help me +in my cases . Whom have I the honour to address " + +" You may address me as the Count Von Kramm , a Bohemian nobleman . +I understand that this gentleman , your friend , is a man of honour +and discretion , whom I may trust with a matter of the most +extreme importance . If not , I should much prefer to communicate +with you alone " + +I rose to go , but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me +back into my chair . " It is both , or none " said he . " You may say +before this gentleman anything which you may say to me " + +The Count shrugged his broad shoulders . " Then I must begin " said +he , " by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years ; at +the end of that time the matter will be of no importance . At +present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it +may have an influence upon European history " + +" I promise " said Holmes . + +" And I " + +" You will excuse this mask " continued our strange visitor . " The +august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to +you , and I may confess at once that the title by which I have +just called myself is not exactly my own " + +" I was aware of it " said Holmes dryly . + +" The circumstances are of great delicacy , and every precaution +has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense +scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of +Europe . To speak plainly , the matter implicates the great House +of Ormstein , hereditary kings of Bohemia " + +" I was also aware of that " murmured Holmes , settling himself +down in his armchair and closing his eyes . + +Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid , +lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him +as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe . +Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his +gigantic client . + +" If your Majesty would condescend to state your case " he +remarked , " I should be better able to advise you " + +The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in +uncontrollable agitation . Then , with a gesture of desperation , he +tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground . " You +are right " he cried ; " I am the King . Why should I attempt to +conceal it " + +" Why , indeed " murmured Holmes . " Your Majesty had not spoken +before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich +Sigismond von Ormstein , Grand Duke of Cassel - Felstein , and +hereditary King of Bohemia " + +" But you can understand " said our strange visitor , sitting down +once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead , " you +can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in +my own person . Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not +confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power . I +have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting +you " + +" Then , pray consult " said Holmes , shutting his eyes once more . + +" The facts are briefly these : Some five years ago , during a +lengthy visit to Warsaw , I made the acquaintance of the well - known +adventuress , Irene Adler . The name is no doubt familiar to you " + +" Kindly look her up in my index , Doctor " murmured Holmes without +opening his eyes . For many years he had adopted a system of +docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things , so that it +was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not +at once furnish information . In this case I found her biography +sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a +staff - commander who had written a monograph upon the deep - sea +fishes . + +" Let me see " said Holmes . " Hum ! Born in New Jersey in the year +1858 . Contralto - hum ! La Scala , hum ! Prima donna Imperial Opera +of Warsaw - yes ! Retired from operatic stage - ha ! Living in +London - quite so ! Your Majesty , as I understand , became entangled +with this young person , wrote her some compromising letters , and +is now desirous of getting those letters back " + +" Precisely so . But how -" + +" Was there a secret marriage " + +" None " + +" No legal papers or certificates " + +" None " + +" Then I fail to follow your Majesty . If this young person should +produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes , how is +she to prove their authenticity " + +" There is the writing " + +" Pooh , pooh ! Forgery " + +" My private note - paper " + +" Stolen " + +" My own seal " + +" Imitated " + +" My photograph " + +" Bought " + +" We were both in the photograph " + +" Oh , dear ! That is very bad ! Your Majesty has indeed committed an +indiscretion " + +" I was mad - insane " + +" You have compromised yourself seriously " + +" I was only Crown Prince then . I was young . I am but thirty now " + +" It must be recovered " + +" We have tried and failed " + +" Your Majesty must pay . It must be bought " + +" She will not sell " + +" Stolen , then " + +" Five attempts have been made . Twice burglars in my pay ransacked +her house . Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled . Twice +she has been waylaid . There has been no result " + +" No sign of it " + +" Absolutely none " + +Holmes laughed . " It is quite a pretty little problem " said he . + +" But a very serious one to me " returned the King reproachfully . + +" Very , indeed . And what does she propose to do with the +photograph " + +" To ruin me " + +" But how " + +" I am about to be married " + +" So I have heard " + +" To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe - Meningen , second daughter of the +King of Scandinavia . You may know the strict principles of her +family . She is herself the very soul of delicacy . A shadow of a +doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end " + +" And Irene Adler " + +" Threatens to send them the photograph . And she will do it . I +know that she will do it . You do not know her , but she has a soul +of steel . She has the face of the most beautiful of women , and +the mind of the most resolute of men . Rather than I should marry +another woman , there are no lengths to which she would not +go - none " + +" You are sure that she has not sent it yet " + +" I am sure " + +" And why " + +" Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the +betrothal was publicly proclaimed . That will be next Monday " + +" Oh , then we have three days yet " said Holmes with a yawn . " That +is very fortunate , as I have one or two matters of importance to +look into just at present . Your Majesty will , of course , stay in +London for the present " + +" Certainly . You will find me at the Langham under the name of the +Count Von Kramm " + +" Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress " + +" Pray do so . I shall be all anxiety " + +" Then , as to money " + +" You have carte blanche " + +" Absolutely " + +" I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom +to have that photograph " + +" And for present expenses " + +The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak +and laid it on the table . + +" There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in +notes " he said . + +Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note - book and +handed it to him . + +" And Mademoiselle's address " he asked . + +" Is Briony Lodge , Serpentine Avenue , St . John's Wood " + +Holmes took a note of it . " One other question " said he . " Was the +photograph a cabinet " + +" It was " + +" Then , good - night , your Majesty , and I trust that we shall soon +have some good news for you . And good - night , Watson " he added , +as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street . " If +you will be good enough to call to - morrow afternoon at three +o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you " + + +II . + +At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street , but Holmes had +not yet returned . The landlady informed me that he had left the +house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning . I sat down +beside the fire , however , with the intention of awaiting him , +however long he might be . I was already deeply interested in his +inquiry , for , though it was surrounded by none of the grim and +strange features which were associated with the two crimes which +I have already recorded , still , the nature of the case and the +exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own . +Indeed , apart from the nature of the investigation which my +friend had on hand , there was something in his masterly grasp of +a situation , and his keen , incisive reasoning , which made it a +pleasure to me to study his system of work , and to follow the +quick , subtle methods by which he disentangled the most +inextricable mysteries . So accustomed was I to his invariable +success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to +enter into my head . + +It was close upon four before the door opened , and a +drunken - looking groom , ill - kempt and side - whiskered , with an +inflamed face and disreputable clothes , walked into the room . +Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of +disguises , I had to look three times before I was certain that it +was indeed he . With a nod he vanished into the bedroom , whence he +emerged in five minutes tweed - suited and respectable , as of old . +Putting his hands into his pockets , he stretched out his legs in +front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes . + +" Well , really " he cried , and then he choked and laughed again +until he was obliged to lie back , limp and helpless , in the +chair . + +" What is it " + +" It's quite too funny . I am sure you could never guess how I +employed my morning , or what I ended by doing " + +" I can't imagine . I suppose that you have been watching the +habits , and perhaps the house , of Miss Irene Adler " + +" Quite so ; but the sequel was rather unusual . I will tell you , +however . I left the house a little after eight o'clock this +morning in the character of a groom out of work . There is a +wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men . Be one of +them , and you will know all that there is to know . I soon found +Briony Lodge . It is a bijou villa , with a garden at the back , but +built out in front right up to the road , two stories . Chubb lock +to the door . Large sitting - room on the right side , well +furnished , with long windows almost to the floor , and those +preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open . +Behind there was nothing remarkable , save that the passage window +could be reached from the top of the coach - house . I walked round +it and examined it closely from every point of view , but without +noting anything else of interest . + +" I then lounged down the street and found , as I expected , that +there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the +garden . I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses , +and received in exchange twopence , a glass of half and half , two +fills of shag tobacco , and as much information as I could desire +about Miss Adler , to say nothing of half a dozen other people in +the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested , but +whose biographies I was compelled to listen to " + +" And what of Irene Adler " I asked . + +" Oh , she has turned all the men's heads down in that part . She is +the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet . So say the +Serpentine - mews , to a man . She lives quietly , sings at concerts , +drives out at five every day , and returns at seven sharp for +dinner . Seldom goes out at other times , except when she sings . +Has only one male visitor , but a good deal of him . He is dark , +handsome , and dashing , never calls less than once a day , and +often twice . He is a Mr . Godfrey Norton , of the Inner Temple . See +the advantages of a cabman as a confidant . They had driven him +home a dozen times from Serpentine - mews , and knew all about him . +When I had listened to all they had to tell , I began to walk up +and down near Briony Lodge once more , and to think over my plan +of campaign . + +" This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the +matter . He was a lawyer . That sounded ominous . What was the +relation between them , and what the object of his repeated +visits ? Was she his client , his friend , or his mistress ? If the +former , she had probably transferred the photograph to his +keeping . If the latter , it was less likely . On the issue of this +question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony +Lodge , or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the +Temple . It was a delicate point , and it widened the field of my +inquiry . I fear that I bore you with these details , but I have to +let you see my little difficulties , if you are to understand the +situation " + +" I am following you closely " I answered . + +" I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab +drove up to Briony Lodge , and a gentleman sprang out . He was a +remarkably handsome man , dark , aquiline , and moustached - evidently +the man of whom I had heard . He appeared to be in a +great hurry , shouted to the cabman to wait , and brushed past the +maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly +at home . + +" He was in the house about half an hour , and I could catch +glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting - room , pacing up and +down , talking excitedly , and waving his arms . Of her I could see +nothing . Presently he emerged , looking even more flurried than +before . As he stepped up to the cab , he pulled a gold watch from +his pocket and looked at it earnestly , ' Drive like the devil ' he +shouted , ' first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street , and then to +the Church of St . Monica in the Edgeware Road . Half a guinea if +you do it in twenty minutes ' + +" Away they went , and I was just wondering whether I should not do +well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau , +the coachman with his coat only half - buttoned , and his tie under +his ear , while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of +the buckles . It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall +door and into it . I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment , +but she was a lovely woman , with a face that a man might die for . + + ' The Church of St . Monica , John ' she cried , ' and half a +sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes ' + +" This was quite too good to lose , Watson . I was just balancing +whether I should run for it , or whether I should perch behind her +landau when a cab came through the street . The driver looked +twice at such a shabby fare , but I jumped in before he could +object . ' The Church of St . Monica ' said I , ' and half a sovereign +if you reach it in twenty minutes ' It was twenty - five minutes to +twelve , and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind . + +" My cabby drove fast . I don't think I ever drove faster , but the +others were there before us . The cab and the landau with their +steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived . I paid +the man and hurried into the church . There was not a soul there +save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman , who +seemed to be expostulating with them . They were all three +standing in a knot in front of the altar . I lounged up the side +aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church . +Suddenly , to my surprise , the three at the altar faced round to +me , and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards +me . + + ' Thank God ' he cried . ' You ' ll do . Come ! Come ' + + ' What then ' I asked . + + ' Come , man , come , only three minutes , or it won't be legal ' + +" I was half - dragged up to the altar , and before I knew where I was +I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear , +and vouching for things of which I knew nothing , and generally +assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler , spinster , to +Godfrey Norton , bachelor . It was all done in an instant , and +there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady +on the other , while the clergyman beamed on me in front . It was +the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my +life , and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just +now . It seems that there had been some informality about their +license , that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them +without a witness of some sort , and that my lucky appearance +saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in +search of a best man . The bride gave me a sovereign , and I mean +to wear it on my watch - chain in memory of the occasion " + +" This is a very unexpected turn of affairs " said I ; " and what +then " + +" Well , I found my plans very seriously menaced . It looked as if +the pair might take an immediate departure , and so necessitate +very prompt and energetic measures on my part . At the church +door , however , they separated , he driving back to the Temple , and +she to her own house . ' I shall drive out in the park at five as +usual ' she said as she left him . I heard no more . They drove +away in different directions , and I went off to make my own +arrangements " + +" Which are " + +" Some cold beef and a glass of beer " he answered , ringing the +bell . " I have been too busy to think of food , and I am likely to +be busier still this evening . By the way , Doctor , I shall want +your co - operation " + +" I shall be delighted " + +" You don't mind breaking the law " + +" Not in the least " + +" Nor running a chance of arrest " + +" Not in a good cause " + +" Oh , the cause is excellent " + +" Then I am your man " + +" I was sure that I might rely on you " + +" But what is it you wish " + +" When Mrs . Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to +you . Now " he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that +our landlady had provided , " I must discuss it while I eat , for I +have not much time . It is nearly five now . In two hours we must +be on the scene of action . Miss Irene , or Madame , rather , returns +from her drive at seven . We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her " + +" And what then " + +" You must leave that to me . I have already arranged what is to +occur . There is only one point on which I must insist . You must +not interfere , come what may . You understand " + +" I am to be neutral " + +" To do nothing whatever . There will probably be some small +unpleasantness . Do not join in it . It will end in my being +conveyed into the house . Four or five minutes afterwards the +sitting - room window will open . You are to station yourself close +to that open window " + +" Yes " + +" You are to watch me , for I will be visible to you " + +" Yes " + +" And when I raise my hand - so - you will throw into the room what +I give you to throw , and will , at the same time , raise the cry of +fire . You quite follow me " + +" Entirely " + +" It is nothing very formidable " he said , taking a long cigar - shaped +roll from his pocket . " It is an ordinary plumber's smoke - rocket , +fitted with a cap at either end to make it self - lighting . +Your task is confined to that . When you raise your cry of fire , +it will be taken up by quite a number of people . You may then +walk to the end of the street , and I will rejoin you in ten +minutes . I hope that I have made myself clear " + +" I am to remain neutral , to get near the window , to watch you , +and at the signal to throw in this object , then to raise the cry +of fire , and to wait you at the corner of the street " + +" Precisely " + +" Then you may entirely rely on me " + +" That is excellent . I think , perhaps , it is almost time that I +prepare for the new role I have to play " + +He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in +the character of an amiable and simple - minded Nonconformist +clergyman . His broad black hat , his baggy trousers , his white +tie , his sympathetic smile , and general look of peering and +benevolent curiosity were such as Mr . John Hare alone could have +equalled . It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume . His +expression , his manner , his very soul seemed to vary with every +fresh part that he assumed . The stage lost a fine actor , even as +science lost an acute reasoner , when he became a specialist in +crime . + +It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street , and it still +wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in +Serpentine Avenue . It was already dusk , and the lamps were just +being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge , +waiting for the coming of its occupant . The house was just such +as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes ' succinct description , +but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected . On +the contrary , for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood , it was +remarkably animated . There was a group of shabbily dressed men +smoking and laughing in a corner , a scissors - grinder with his +wheel , two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse - girl , and +several well - dressed young men who were lounging up and down with +cigars in their mouths . + +" You see " remarked Holmes , as we paced to and fro in front of +the house , " this marriage rather simplifies matters . The +photograph becomes a double - edged weapon now . The chances are +that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr . Godfrey +Norton , as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his +princess . Now the question is , Where are we to find the +photograph " + +" Where , indeed " + +" It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her . It is +cabinet size . Too large for easy concealment about a woman's +dress . She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid +and searched . Two attempts of the sort have already been made . We +may take it , then , that she does not carry it about with her " + +" Where , then " + +" Her banker or her lawyer . There is that double possibility . But +I am inclined to think neither . Women are naturally secretive , +and they like to do their own secreting . Why should she hand it +over to anyone else ? She could trust her own guardianship , but +she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be +brought to bear upon a business man . Besides , remember that she +had resolved to use it within a few days . It must be where she +can lay her hands upon it . It must be in her own house " + +" But it has twice been burgled " + +" Pshaw ! They did not know how to look " + +" But how will you look " + +" I will not look " + +" What then " + +" I will get her to show me " + +" But she will refuse " + +" She will not be able to . But I hear the rumble of wheels . It is +her carriage . Now carry out my orders to the letter " + +As he spoke the gleam of the side - lights of a carriage came round +the curve of the avenue . It was a smart little landau which +rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge . As it pulled up , one of +the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in +the hope of earning a copper , but was elbowed away by another +loafer , who had rushed up with the same intention . A fierce +quarrel broke out , which was increased by the two guardsmen , who +took sides with one of the loungers , and by the scissors - grinder , +who was equally hot upon the other side . A blow was struck , and +in an instant the lady , who had stepped from her carriage , was +the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men , who +struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks . Holmes +dashed into the crowd to protect the lady ; but just as he reached +her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground , with the blood +running freely down his face . At his fall the guardsmen took to +their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other , while +a number of better - dressed people , who had watched the scuffle +without taking part in it , crowded in to help the lady and to +attend to the injured man . Irene Adler , as I will still call her , +had hurried up the steps ; but she stood at the top with her +superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall , looking +back into the street . + +" Is the poor gentleman much hurt " she asked . + +" He is dead " cried several voices . + +" No , no , there's life in him " shouted another . " But he ' ll be +gone before you can get him to hospital " + +" He's a brave fellow " said a woman . " They would have had the +lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him . They were a +gang , and a rough one , too . Ah , he's breathing now " + +" He can't lie in the street . May we bring him in , marm " + +" Surely . Bring him into the sitting - room . There is a comfortable +sofa . This way , please " + +Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out +in the principal room , while I still observed the proceedings +from my post by the window . The lamps had been lit , but the +blinds had not been drawn , so that I could see Holmes as he lay +upon the couch . I do not know whether he was seized with +compunction at that moment for the part he was playing , but I +know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life +than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was +conspiring , or the grace and kindliness with which she waited +upon the injured man . And yet it would be the blackest treachery +to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted +to me . I hardened my heart , and took the smoke - rocket from under +my ulster . After all , I thought , we are not injuring her . We are +but preventing her from injuring another . + +Holmes had sat up upon the couch , and I saw him motion like a man +who is in need of air . A maid rushed across and threw open the +window . At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the +signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of " Fire " The +word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of +spectators , well dressed and ill - gentlemen , ostlers , and +servant - maids - joined in a general shriek of " Fire " Thick clouds +of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window . I +caught a glimpse of rushing figures , and a moment later the voice +of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm . +Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner +of the street , and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my +friend's arm in mine , and to get away from the scene of uproar . +He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we +had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the +Edgeware Road . + +" You did it very nicely , Doctor " he remarked . " Nothing could +have been better . It is all right " + +" You have the photograph " + +" I know where it is " + +" And how did you find out " + +" She showed me , as I told you she would " + +" I am still in the dark " + +" I do not wish to make a mystery " said he , laughing . " The matter +was perfectly simple . You , of course , saw that everyone in the +street was an accomplice . They were all engaged for the evening " + +" I guessed as much " + +" Then , when the row broke out , I had a little moist red paint in +the palm of my hand . I rushed forward , fell down , clapped my hand +to my face , and became a piteous spectacle . It is an old trick " + +" That also I could fathom " + +" Then they carried me in . She was bound to have me in . What else +could she do ? And into her sitting - room , which was the very room +which I suspected . It lay between that and her bedroom , and I was +determined to see which . They laid me on a couch , I motioned for +air , they were compelled to open the window , and you had your +chance " + +" How did that help you " + +" It was all - important . When a woman thinks that her house is on +fire , her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she +values most . It is a perfectly overpowering impulse , and I have +more than once taken advantage of it . In the case of the +Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me , and also in +the Arnsworth Castle business . A married woman grabs at her baby ; +an unmarried one reaches for her jewel - box . Now it was clear to +me that our lady of to - day had nothing in the house more precious +to her than what we are in quest of . She would rush to secure it . +The alarm of fire was admirably done . The smoke and shouting were +enough to shake nerves of steel . She responded beautifully . The +photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the +right bell - pull . She was there in an instant , and I caught a +glimpse of it as she half - drew it out . When I cried out that it +was a false alarm , she replaced it , glanced at the rocket , rushed +from the room , and I have not seen her since . I rose , and , making +my excuses , escaped from the house . I hesitated whether to +attempt to secure the photograph at once ; but the coachman had +come in , and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to +wait . A little over - precipitance may ruin all " + +" And now " I asked . + +" Our quest is practically finished . I shall call with the King +to - morrow , and with you , if you care to come with us . We will be +shown into the sitting - room to wait for the lady , but it is +probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the +photograph . It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain +it with his own hands " + +" And when will you call " + +" At eight in the morning . She will not be up , so that we shall +have a clear field . Besides , we must be prompt , for this marriage +may mean a complete change in her life and habits . I must wire to +the King without delay " + +We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door . He was +searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said : + +" Good - night , Mister Sherlock Holmes " + +There were several people on the pavement at the time , but the +greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had +hurried by . + +" I ' ve heard that voice before " said Holmes , staring down the +dimly lit street . " Now , I wonder who the deuce that could have +been " + + +III . + +I slept at Baker Street that night , and we were engaged upon our +toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed +into the room . + +" You have really got it " he cried , grasping Sherlock Holmes by +either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face . + +" Not yet " + +" But you have hopes " + +" I have hopes " + +" Then , come . I am all impatience to be gone " + +" We must have a cab " + +" No , my brougham is waiting " + +" Then that will simplify matters " We descended and started off +once more for Briony Lodge . + +" Irene Adler is married " remarked Holmes . + +" Married ! When " + +" Yesterday " + +" But to whom " + +" To an English lawyer named Norton " + +" But she could not love him " + +" I am in hopes that she does " + +" And why in hopes " + +" Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future +annoyance . If the lady loves her husband , she does not love your +Majesty . If she does not love your Majesty , there is no reason +why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan " + +" It is true . And yet - Well ! I wish she had been of my own +station ! What a queen she would have made " He relapsed into a +moody silence , which was not broken until we drew up in +Serpentine Avenue . + +The door of Briony Lodge was open , and an elderly woman stood +upon the steps . She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped +from the brougham . + +" Mr . Sherlock Holmes , I believe " said she . + +" I am Mr . Holmes " answered my companion , looking at her with a +questioning and rather startled gaze . + +" Indeed ! My mistress told me that you were likely to call . She +left this morning with her husband by the 5 : 15 train from Charing +Cross for the Continent " + +" What " Sherlock Holmes staggered back , white with chagrin and +surprise . " Do you mean that she has left England " + +" Never to return " + +" And the papers " asked the King hoarsely . " All is lost " + +" We shall see " He pushed past the servant and rushed into the +drawing - room , followed by the King and myself . The furniture was +scattered about in every direction , with dismantled shelves and +open drawers , as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before +her flight . Holmes rushed at the bell - pull , tore back a small +sliding shutter , and , plunging in his hand , pulled out a +photograph and a letter . The photograph was of Irene Adler +herself in evening dress , the letter was superscribed to +" Sherlock Holmes , Esq . To be left till called for " My friend +tore it open and we all three read it together . It was dated at +midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way : + +" MY DEAR MR . SHERLOCK HOLMES -- You really did it very well . You +took me in completely . Until after the alarm of fire , I had not a +suspicion . But then , when I found how I had betrayed myself , I +began to think . I had been warned against you months ago . I had +been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly +be you . And your address had been given me . Yet , with all this , +you made me reveal what you wanted to know . Even after I became +suspicious , I found it hard to think evil of such a dear , kind +old clergyman . But , you know , I have been trained as an actress +myself . Male costume is nothing new to me . I often take advantage +of the freedom which it gives . I sent John , the coachman , to +watch you , ran up stairs , got into my walking - clothes , as I call +them , and came down just as you departed . + +" Well , I followed you to your door , and so made sure that I was +really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr . Sherlock +Holmes . Then I , rather imprudently , wished you good - night , and +started for the Temple to see my husband . + +" We both thought the best resource was flight , when pursued by +so formidable an antagonist ; so you will find the nest empty when +you call to - morrow . As to the photograph , your client may rest in +peace . I love and am loved by a better man than he . The King may +do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly +wronged . I keep it only to safeguard myself , and to preserve a +weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might +take in the future . I leave a photograph which he might care to +possess ; and I remain , dear Mr . Sherlock Holmes , + + " Very truly yours , + " IRENE NORTON , nee ADLER " + +" What a woman - oh , what a woman " cried the King of Bohemia , when +we had all three read this epistle . " Did I not tell you how quick +and resolute she was ? Would she not have made an admirable queen ? +Is it not a pity that she was not on my level " + +" From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a +very different level to your Majesty " said Holmes coldly . " I am +sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business +to a more successful conclusion " + +" On the contrary , my dear sir " cried the King ; " nothing could be +more successful . I know that her word is inviolate . The +photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire " + +" I am glad to hear your Majesty say so " + +" I am immensely indebted to you . Pray tell me in what way I can +reward you . This ring -" He slipped an emerald snake ring from +his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand . + +" Your Majesty has something which I should value even more +highly " said Holmes . + +" You have but to name it " + +" This photograph " + +The King stared at him in amazement . + +" Irene's photograph " he cried . " Certainly , if you wish it " + +" I thank your Majesty . Then there is no more to be done in the +matter . I have the honour to wish you a very good - morning " He +bowed , and , turning away without observing the hand which the +King had stretched out to him , he set off in my company for his +chambers . + +And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom +of Bohemia , and how the best plans of Mr . Sherlock Holmes were +beaten by a woman's wit . He used to make merry over the +cleverness of women , but I have not heard him do it of late . And +when he speaks of Irene Adler , or when he refers to her +photograph , it is always under the honourable title of the woman . + + + +ADVENTURE II . THE RED - HEADED LEAGUE + +I had called upon my friend , Mr . Sherlock Holmes , one day in the +autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a +very stout , florid - faced , elderly gentleman with fiery red hair . +With an apology for my intrusion , I was about to withdraw when +Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door +behind me . + +" You could not possibly have come at a better time , my dear +Watson " he said cordially . + +" I was afraid that you were engaged " + +" So I am . Very much so " + +" Then I can wait in the next room " + +" Not at all . This gentleman , Mr . Wilson , has been my partner and +helper in many of my most successful cases , and I have no +doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also " + +The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of +greeting , with a quick little questioning glance from his small +fat - encircled eyes . + +" Try the settee " said Holmes , relapsing into his armchair and +putting his fingertips together , as was his custom when in +judicial moods . " I know , my dear Watson , that you share my love +of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum +routine of everyday life . You have shown your relish for it by +the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle , and , if you +will excuse my saying so , somewhat to embellish so many of my own +little adventures " + +" Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me " I +observed . + +" You will remember that I remarked the other day , just before we +went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary +Sutherland , that for strange effects and extraordinary +combinations we must go to life itself , which is always far more +daring than any effort of the imagination " + +" A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting " + +" You did , Doctor , but none the less you must come round to my +view , for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you +until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to +be right . Now , Mr . Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call +upon me this morning , and to begin a narrative which promises to +be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some +time . You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique +things are very often connected not with the larger but with the +smaller crimes , and occasionally , indeed , where there is room for +doubt whether any positive crime has been committed . As far as I +have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present +case is an instance of crime or not , but the course of events is +certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to . +Perhaps , Mr . Wilson , you would have the great kindness to +recommence your narrative . I ask you not merely because my friend +Dr . Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the +peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every +possible detail from your lips . As a rule , when I have heard some +slight indication of the course of events , I am able to guide +myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my +memory . In the present instance I am forced to admit that the +facts are , to the best of my belief , unique " + +The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some +little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the +inside pocket of his greatcoat . As he glanced down the +advertisement column , with his head thrust forward and the paper +flattened out upon his knee , I took a good look at the man and +endeavoured , after the fashion of my companion , to read the +indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance . + +I did not gain very much , however , by my inspection . Our visitor +bore every mark of being an average commonplace British +tradesman , obese , pompous , and slow . He wore rather baggy grey +shepherd's check trousers , a not over - clean black frock - coat , +unbuttoned in the front , and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy +Albert chain , and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as +an ornament . A frayed top - hat and a faded brown overcoat with a +wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him . Altogether , +look as I would , there was nothing remarkable about the man save +his blazing red head , and the expression of extreme chagrin and +discontent upon his features . + +Sherlock Holmes ' quick eye took in my occupation , and he shook +his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances . +" Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual +labour , that he takes snuff , that he is a Freemason , that he has +been in China , and that he has done a considerable amount of +writing lately , I can deduce nothing else " + +Mr . Jabez Wilson started up in his chair , with his forefinger +upon the paper , but his eyes upon my companion . + +" How , in the name of good - fortune , did you know all that , Mr . +Holmes " he asked . " How did you know , for example , that I did +manual labour . It's as true as gospel , for I began as a ship's +carpenter " + +" Your hands , my dear sir . Your right hand is quite a size larger +than your left . You have worked with it , and the muscles are more +developed " + +" Well , the snuff , then , and the Freemasonry " + +" I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that , +especially as , rather against the strict rules of your order , you +use an arc - and - compass breastpin " + +" Ah , of course , I forgot that . But the writing " + +" What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for +five inches , and the left one with the smooth patch near the +elbow where you rest it upon the desk " + +" Well , but China " + +" The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right +wrist could only have been done in China . I have made a small +study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature +of the subject . That trick of staining the fishes ' scales of a +delicate pink is quite peculiar to China . When , in addition , I +see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch - chain , the matter +becomes even more simple " + +Mr . Jabez Wilson laughed heavily . " Well , I never " said he . " I +thought at first that you had done something clever , but I see +that there was nothing in it , after all " + +" I begin to think , Watson " said Holmes , " that I make a mistake +in explaining . ' Omne ignotum pro magnifico ' you know , and my +poor little reputation , such as it is , will suffer shipwreck if I +am so candid . Can you not find the advertisement , Mr . Wilson " + +" Yes , I have got it now " he answered with his thick red finger +planted halfway down the column . " Here it is . This is what began +it all . You just read it for yourself , sir " + +I took the paper from him and read as follows : + +" TO THE RED - HEADED LEAGUE : On account of the bequest of the late +Ezekiah Hopkins , of Lebanon , Pennsylvania , U . S . A , there is now +another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a +salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services . All +red - headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age +of twenty - one years , are eligible . Apply in person on Monday , at +eleven o'clock , to Duncan Ross , at the offices of the League , 7 +Pope's Court , Fleet Street " + +" What on earth does this mean " I ejaculated after I had twice +read over the extraordinary announcement . + +Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair , as was his habit when +in high spirits . " It is a little off the beaten track , isn't it " +said he . " And now , Mr . Wilson , off you go at scratch and tell us +all about yourself , your household , and the effect which this +advertisement had upon your fortunes . You will first make a note , +Doctor , of the paper and the date " + +" It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27 , 1890 . Just two months +ago " + +" Very good . Now , Mr . Wilson " + +" Well , it is just as I have been telling you , Mr . Sherlock +Holmes " said Jabez Wilson , mopping his forehead ; " I have a small +pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square , near the City . It's not a +very large affair , and of late years it has not done more than +just give me a living . I used to be able to keep two assistants , +but now I only keep one ; and I would have a job to pay him but +that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the +business " + +" What is the name of this obliging youth " asked Sherlock Holmes . + +" His name is Vincent Spaulding , and he's not such a youth , +either . It's hard to say his age . I should not wish a smarter +assistant , Mr . Holmes ; and I know very well that he could better +himself and earn twice what I am able to give him . But , after +all , if he is satisfied , why should I put ideas in his head " + +" Why , indeed ? You seem most fortunate in having an employe who +comes under the full market price . It is not a common experience +among employers in this age . I don't know that your assistant is +not as remarkable as your advertisement " + +" Oh , he has his faults , too " said Mr . Wilson . " Never was such a +fellow for photography . Snapping away with a camera when he ought +to be improving his mind , and then diving down into the cellar +like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures . That is his +main fault , but on the whole he's a good worker . There's no vice +in him " + +" He is still with you , I presume " + +" Yes , sir . He and a girl of fourteen , who does a bit of simple +cooking and keeps the place clean - that's all I have in the +house , for I am a widower and never had any family . We live very +quietly , sir , the three of us ; and we keep a roof over our heads +and pay our debts , if we do nothing more . + +" The first thing that put us out was that advertisement . +Spaulding , he came down into the office just this day eight +weeks , with this very paper in his hand , and he says : + + ' I wish to the Lord , Mr . Wilson , that I was a red - headed man ' + + ' Why that ' I asks . + + ' Why ' says he , ' here's another vacancy on the League of the +Red - headed Men . It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who +gets it , and I understand that there are more vacancies than +there are men , so that the trustees are at their wits ' end what +to do with the money . If my hair would only change colour , here's +a nice little crib all ready for me to step into ' + + ' Why , what is it , then ' I asked . You see , Mr . Holmes , I am a +very stay - at - home man , and as my business came to me instead of +my having to go to it , I was often weeks on end without putting +my foot over the door - mat . In that way I didn't know much of what +was going on outside , and I was always glad of a bit of news . + + ' Have you never heard of the League of the Red - headed Men ' he +asked with his eyes open . + + ' Never ' + + ' Why , I wonder at that , for you are eligible yourself for one +of the vacancies ' + + ' And what are they worth ' I asked . + + ' Oh , merely a couple of hundred a year , but the work is slight , +and it need not interfere very much with one's other +occupations ' + +" Well , you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears , +for the business has not been over - good for some years , and an +extra couple of hundred would have been very handy . + + ' Tell me all about it ' said I . + + ' Well ' said he , showing me the advertisement , ' you can see for +yourself that the League has a vacancy , and there is the address +where you should apply for particulars . As far as I can make out , +the League was founded by an American millionaire , Ezekiah +Hopkins , who was very peculiar in his ways . He was himself +red - headed , and he had a great sympathy for all red - headed men ; +so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous +fortune in the hands of trustees , with instructions to apply the +interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of +that colour . From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to +do ' + + ' But ' said I , ' there would be millions of red - headed men who +would apply ' + + ' Not so many as you might think ' he answered . ' You see it is +really confined to Londoners , and to grown men . This American had +started from London when he was young , and he wanted to do the +old town a good turn . Then , again , I have heard it is no use your +applying if your hair is light red , or dark red , or anything but +real bright , blazing , fiery red . Now , if you cared to apply , Mr . +Wilson , you would just walk in ; but perhaps it would hardly be +worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a +few hundred pounds ' + +" Now , it is a fact , gentlemen , as you may see for yourselves , +that my hair is of a very full and rich tint , so that it seemed +to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I +stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met . Vincent +Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might +prove useful , so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for +the day and to come right away with me . He was very willing to +have a holiday , so we shut the business up and started off for +the address that was given us in the advertisement . + +" I never hope to see such a sight as that again , Mr . Holmes . From +north , south , east , and west every man who had a shade of red in +his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement . +Fleet Street was choked with red - headed folk , and Pope's Court +looked like a coster's orange barrow . I should not have thought +there were so many in the whole country as were brought together +by that single advertisement . Every shade of colour they +were - straw , lemon , orange , brick , Irish - setter , liver , clay ; +but , as Spaulding said , there were not many who had the real +vivid flame - coloured tint . When I saw how many were waiting , I +would have given it up in despair ; but Spaulding would not hear +of it . How he did it I could not imagine , but he pushed and +pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd , and right up +to the steps which led to the office . There was a double stream +upon the stair , some going up in hope , and some coming back +dejected ; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found +ourselves in the office " + +" Your experience has been a most entertaining one " remarked +Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge +pinch of snuff . " Pray continue your very interesting statement " + +" There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs +and a deal table , behind which sat a small man with a head that +was even redder than mine . He said a few words to each candidate +as he came up , and then he always managed to find some fault in +them which would disqualify them . Getting a vacancy did not seem +to be such a very easy matter , after all . However , when our turn +came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of +the others , and he closed the door as we entered , so that he +might have a private word with us . + + ' This is Mr . Jabez Wilson ' said my assistant , ' and he is +willing to fill a vacancy in the League ' + + ' And he is admirably suited for it ' the other answered . ' He has +every requirement . I cannot recall when I have seen anything so +fine ' He took a step backward , cocked his head on one side , and +gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful . Then suddenly he +plunged forward , wrung my hand , and congratulated me warmly on my +success . + + ' It would be injustice to hesitate ' said he . ' You will , +however , I am sure , excuse me for taking an obvious precaution ' +With that he seized my hair in both his hands , and tugged until I +yelled with the pain . ' There is water in your eyes ' said he as +he released me . ' I perceive that all is as it should be . But we +have to be careful , for we have twice been deceived by wigs and +once by paint . I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which +would disgust you with human nature ' He stepped over to the +window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the +vacancy was filled . A groan of disappointment came up from below , +and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there +was not a red - head to be seen except my own and that of the +manager . + + ' My name ' said he , ' is Mr . Duncan Ross , and I am myself one of +the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor . Are +you a married man , Mr . Wilson ? Have you a family ' + +" I answered that I had not . + +" His face fell immediately . + + ' Dear me ' he said gravely , ' that is very serious indeed ! I am +sorry to hear you say that . The fund was , of course , for the +propagation and spread of the red - heads as well as for their +maintenance . It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a +bachelor ' + +" My face lengthened at this , Mr . Holmes , for I thought that I was +not to have the vacancy after all ; but after thinking it over for +a few minutes he said that it would be all right . + + ' In the case of another ' said he , ' the objection might be +fatal , but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a +head of hair as yours . When shall you be able to enter upon your +new duties ' + + ' Well , it is a little awkward , for I have a business already ' +said I . + + ' Oh , never mind about that , Mr . Wilson ' said Vincent Spaulding . +' I should be able to look after that for you ' + + ' What would be the hours ' I asked . + + ' Ten to two ' + +" Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening , Mr . +Holmes , especially Thursday and Friday evening , which is just +before pay - day ; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in +the mornings . Besides , I knew that my assistant was a good man , +and that he would see to anything that turned up . + + ' That would suit me very well ' said I . ' And the pay ' + + ' Is 4 pounds a week ' + + ' And the work ' + + ' Is purely nominal ' + + ' What do you call purely nominal ' + + ' Well , you have to be in the office , or at least in the +building , the whole time . If you leave , you forfeit your whole +position forever . The will is very clear upon that point . You +don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office +during that time ' + + ' It's only four hours a day , and I should not think of leaving ' +said I . + + ' No excuse will avail ' said Mr . Duncan Ross ; ' neither sickness +nor business nor anything else . There you must stay , or you lose +your billet ' + + ' And the work ' + + ' Is to copy out the " Encyclopaedia Britannica " There is the first +volume of it in that press . You must find your own ink , pens , and +blotting - paper , but we provide this table and chair . Will you be +ready to - morrow ' + + ' Certainly ' I answered . + + ' Then , good - bye , Mr . Jabez Wilson , and let me congratulate you +once more on the important position which you have been fortunate +enough to gain ' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with +my assistant , hardly knowing what to say or do , I was so pleased +at my own good fortune . + +" Well , I thought over the matter all day , and by evening I was in +low spirits again ; for I had quite persuaded myself that the +whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud , though what its +object might be I could not imagine . It seemed altogether past +belief that anyone could make such a will , or that they would pay +such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the +' Encyclopaedia Britannica ' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to +cheer me up , but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the +whole thing . However , in the morning I determined to have a look +at it anyhow , so I bought a penny bottle of ink , and with a +quill - pen , and seven sheets of foolscap paper , I started off for +Pope's Court . + +" Well , to my surprise and delight , everything was as right as +possible . The table was set out ready for me , and Mr . Duncan Ross +was there to see that I got fairly to work . He started me off +upon the letter A , and then he left me ; but he would drop in from +time to time to see that all was right with me . At two o'clock he +bade me good - day , complimented me upon the amount that I had +written , and locked the door of the office after me . + +" This went on day after day , Mr . Holmes , and on Saturday the +manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my +week's work . It was the same next week , and the same the week +after . Every morning I was there at ten , and every afternoon I +left at two . By degrees Mr . Duncan Ross took to coming in only +once of a morning , and then , after a time , he did not come in at +all . Still , of course , I never dared to leave the room for an +instant , for I was not sure when he might come , and the billet +was such a good one , and suited me so well , that I would not risk +the loss of it . + +" Eight weeks passed away like this , and I had written about +Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica , and +hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very +long . It cost me something in foolscap , and I had pretty nearly +filled a shelf with my writings . And then suddenly the whole +business came to an end " + +" To an end " + +" Yes , sir . And no later than this morning . I went to my work as +usual at ten o'clock , but the door was shut and locked , with a +little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the +panel with a tack . Here it is , and you can read for yourself " + +He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet +of note - paper . It read in this fashion : + + THE RED - HEADED LEAGUE + + IS + + DISSOLVED . + + October 9 , 1890 . + +Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the +rueful face behind it , until the comical side of the affair so +completely overtopped every other consideration that we both +burst out into a roar of laughter . + +" I cannot see that there is anything very funny " cried our +client , flushing up to the roots of his flaming head . " If you can +do nothing better than laugh at me , I can go elsewhere " + +" No , no " cried Holmes , shoving him back into the chair from +which he had half risen . " I really wouldn't miss your case for +the world . It is most refreshingly unusual . But there is , if you +will excuse my saying so , something just a little funny about it . +Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the +door " + +" I was staggered , sir . I did not know what to do . Then I called +at the offices round , but none of them seemed to know anything +about it . Finally , I went to the landlord , who is an accountant +living on the ground - floor , and I asked him if he could tell me +what had become of the Red - headed League . He said that he had +never heard of any such body . Then I asked him who Mr . Duncan +Ross was . He answered that the name was new to him . + + ' Well ' said I , ' the gentleman at No . 4 ' + + ' What , the red - headed man ' + + ' Yes ' + + ' Oh ' said he , ' his name was William Morris . He was a solicitor +and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new +premises were ready . He moved out yesterday ' + + ' Where could I find him ' + + ' Oh , at his new offices . He did tell me the address . Yes , 17 +King Edward Street , near St . Paul's ' + +" I started off , Mr . Holmes , but when I got to that address it was +a manufactory of artificial knee - caps , and no one in it had ever +heard of either Mr . William Morris or Mr . Duncan Ross " + +" And what did you do then " asked Holmes . + +" I went home to Saxe - Coburg Square , and I took the advice of my +assistant . But he could not help me in any way . He could only say +that if I waited I should hear by post . But that was not quite +good enough , Mr . Holmes . I did not wish to lose such a place +without a struggle , so , as I had heard that you were good enough +to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it , I came right +away to you " + +" And you did very wisely " said Holmes . " Your case is an +exceedingly remarkable one , and I shall be happy to look into it . +From what you have told me I think that it is possible that +graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear " + +" Grave enough " said Mr . Jabez Wilson . " Why , I have lost four +pound a week " + +" As far as you are personally concerned " remarked Holmes , " I do +not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary +league . On the contrary , you are , as I understand , richer by some +30 pounds , to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have +gained on every subject which comes under the letter A . You have +lost nothing by them " + +" No , sir . But I want to find out about them , and who they are , +and what their object was in playing this prank - if it was a +prank - upon me . It was a pretty expensive joke for them , for it +cost them two and thirty pounds " + +" We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you . And , first , +one or two questions , Mr . Wilson . This assistant of yours who +first called your attention to the advertisement - how long had he +been with you " + +" About a month then " + +" How did he come " + +" In answer to an advertisement " + +" Was he the only applicant " + +" No , I had a dozen " + +" Why did you pick him " + +" Because he was handy and would come cheap " + +" At half - wages , in fact " + +" Yes " + +" What is he like , this Vincent Spaulding " + +" Small , stout - built , very quick in his ways , no hair on his face , +though he's not short of thirty . Has a white splash of acid upon +his forehead " + +Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement . " I thought +as much " said he . " Have you ever observed that his ears are +pierced for earrings " + +" Yes , sir . He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he +was a lad " + +" Hum " said Holmes , sinking back in deep thought . " He is still +with you " + +" Oh , yes , sir ; I have only just left him " + +" And has your business been attended to in your absence " + +" Nothing to complain of , sir . There's never very much to do of a +morning " + +" That will do , Mr . Wilson . I shall be happy to give you an +opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two . To - day is +Saturday , and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion " + +" Well , Watson " said Holmes when our visitor had left us , " what +do you make of it all " + +" I make nothing of it " I answered frankly . " It is a most +mysterious business " + +" As a rule " said Holmes , " the more bizarre a thing is the less +mysterious it proves to be . It is your commonplace , featureless +crimes which are really puzzling , just as a commonplace face is +the most difficult to identify . But I must be prompt over this +matter " + +" What are you going to do , then " I asked . + +" To smoke " he answered . " It is quite a three pipe problem , and I +beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes " He curled +himself up in his chair , with his thin knees drawn up to his +hawk - like nose , and there he sat with his eyes closed and his +black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird . +I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep , and +indeed was nodding myself , when he suddenly sprang out of his +chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put +his pipe down upon the mantelpiece . + +" Sarasate plays at the St . James's Hall this afternoon " he +remarked . " What do you think , Watson ? Could your patients spare +you for a few hours " + +" I have nothing to do to - day . My practice is never very +absorbing " + +" Then put on your hat and come . I am going through the City +first , and we can have some lunch on the way . I observe that +there is a good deal of German music on the programme , which is +rather more to my taste than Italian or French . It is +introspective , and I want to introspect . Come along " + +We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate ; and a short +walk took us to Saxe - Coburg Square , the scene of the singular +story which we had listened to in the morning . It was a poky , +little , shabby - genteel place , where four lines of dingy +two - storied brick houses looked out into a small railed - in +enclosure , where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded +laurel - bushes made a hard fight against a smoke - laden and +uncongenial atmosphere . Three gilt balls and a brown board with +" JABEZ WILSON " in white letters , upon a corner house , announced +the place where our red - headed client carried on his business . +Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side +and looked it all over , with his eyes shining brightly between +puckered lids . Then he walked slowly up the street , and then down +again to the corner , still looking keenly at the houses . Finally +he returned to the pawnbroker's , and , having thumped vigorously +upon the pavement with his stick two or three times , he went up +to the door and knocked . It was instantly opened by a +bright - looking , clean - shaven young fellow , who asked him to step +in . + +" Thank you " said Holmes , " I only wished to ask you how you would +go from here to the Strand " + +" Third right , fourth left " answered the assistant promptly , +closing the door . + +" Smart fellow , that " observed Holmes as we walked away . " He is , +in my judgment , the fourth smartest man in London , and for daring +I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third . I have known +something of him before " + +" Evidently " said I , " Mr . Wilson's assistant counts for a good +deal in this mystery of the Red - headed League . I am sure that you +inquired your way merely in order that you might see him " + +" Not him " + +" What then " + +" The knees of his trousers " + +" And what did you see " + +" What I expected to see " + +" Why did you beat the pavement " + +" My dear doctor , this is a time for observation , not for talk . We +are spies in an enemy's country . We know something of Saxe - Coburg +Square . Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it " + +The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the +corner from the retired Saxe - Coburg Square presented as great a +contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back . It was +one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City +to the north and west . The roadway was blocked with the immense +stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward , +while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of +pedestrians . It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line +of fine shops and stately business premises that they really +abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square +which we had just quitted . + +" Let me see " said Holmes , standing at the corner and glancing +along the line , " I should like just to remember the order of the +houses here . It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of +London . There is Mortimer's , the tobacconist , the little +newspaper shop , the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank , +the Vegetarian Restaurant , and McFarlane's carriage - building +depot . That carries us right on to the other block . And now , +Doctor , we ' ve done our work , so it's time we had some play . A +sandwich and a cup of coffee , and then off to violin - land , where +all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony , and there are no +red - headed clients to vex us with their conundrums " + +My friend was an enthusiastic musician , being himself not only a +very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit . All +the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect +happiness , gently waving his long , thin fingers in time to the +music , while his gently smiling face and his languid , dreamy eyes +were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth - hound , Holmes the +relentless , keen - witted , ready - handed criminal agent , as it was +possible to conceive . In his singular character the dual nature +alternately asserted itself , and his extreme exactness and +astuteness represented , as I have often thought , the reaction +against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally +predominated in him . The swing of his nature took him from +extreme languor to devouring energy ; and , as I knew well , he was +never so truly formidable as when , for days on end , he had been +lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his +black - letter editions . Then it was that the lust of the chase +would suddenly come upon him , and that his brilliant reasoning +power would rise to the level of intuition , until those who were +unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a +man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals . When I saw him +that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St . James's Hall I +felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set +himself to hunt down . + +" You want to go home , no doubt , Doctor " he remarked as we +emerged . + +" Yes , it would be as well " + +" And I have some business to do which will take some hours . This +business at Coburg Square is serious " + +" Why serious " + +" A considerable crime is in contemplation . I have every reason to +believe that we shall be in time to stop it . But to - day being +Saturday rather complicates matters . I shall want your help +to - night " + +" At what time " + +" Ten will be early enough " + +" I shall be at Baker Street at ten " + +" Very well . And , I say , Doctor , there may be some little danger , +so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket " He waved his +hand , turned on his heel , and disappeared in an instant among the +crowd . + +I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours , but I was +always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings +with Sherlock Holmes . Here I had heard what he had heard , I had +seen what he had seen , and yet from his words it was evident that +he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to +happen , while to me the whole business was still confused and +grotesque . As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought +over it all , from the extraordinary story of the red - headed +copier of the " Encyclopaedia " down to the visit to Saxe - Coburg +Square , and the ominous words with which he had parted from me . +What was this nocturnal expedition , and why should I go armed ? +Where were we going , and what were we to do ? I had the hint from +Holmes that this smooth - faced pawnbroker's assistant was a +formidable man - a man who might play a deep game . I tried to +puzzle it out , but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside +until night should bring an explanation . + +It was a quarter - past nine when I started from home and made my +way across the Park , and so through Oxford Street to Baker +Street . Two hansoms were standing at the door , and as I entered +the passage I heard the sound of voices from above . On entering +his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men , +one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones , the official police +agent , while the other was a long , thin , sad - faced man , with a +very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock - coat . + +" Ha ! Our party is complete " said Holmes , buttoning up his +pea - jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack . +" Watson , I think you know Mr . Jones , of Scotland Yard ? Let me +introduce you to Mr . Merryweather , who is to be our companion in +to - night's adventure " + +" We ' re hunting in couples again , Doctor , you see " said Jones in +his consequential way . " Our friend here is a wonderful man for +starting a chase . All he wants is an old dog to help him to do +the running down " + +" I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase " +observed Mr . Merryweather gloomily . + +" You may place considerable confidence in Mr . Holmes , sir " said +the police agent loftily . " He has his own little methods , which +are , if he won't mind my saying so , just a little too theoretical +and fantastic , but he has the makings of a detective in him . It +is not too much to say that once or twice , as in that business of +the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure , he has been more nearly +correct than the official force " + +" Oh , if you say so , Mr . Jones , it is all right " said the +stranger with deference . " Still , I confess that I miss my rubber . +It is the first Saturday night for seven - and - twenty years that I +have not had my rubber " + +" I think you will find " said Sherlock Holmes , " that you will +play for a higher stake to - night than you have ever done yet , and +that the play will be more exciting . For you , Mr . Merryweather , +the stake will be some 30 , 000 pounds ; and for you , Jones , it will +be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands " + +" John Clay , the murderer , thief , smasher , and forger . He's a +young man , Mr . Merryweather , but he is at the head of his +profession , and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on +any criminal in London . He's a remarkable man , is young John +Clay . His grandfather was a royal duke , and he himself has been +to Eton and Oxford . His brain is as cunning as his fingers , and +though we meet signs of him at every turn , we never know where to +find the man himself . He ' ll crack a crib in Scotland one week , +and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next . +I ' ve been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him +yet " + +" I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to - night . +I ' ve had one or two little turns also with Mr . John Clay , and I +agree with you that he is at the head of his profession . It is +past ten , however , and quite time that we started . If you two +will take the first hansom , Watson and I will follow in the +second " + +Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive +and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in +the afternoon . We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas - lit +streets until we emerged into Farrington Street . + +" We are close there now " my friend remarked . " This fellow +Merryweather is a bank director , and personally interested in the +matter . I thought it as well to have Jones with us also . He is +not a bad fellow , though an absolute imbecile in his profession . +He has one positive virtue . He is as brave as a bulldog and as +tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone . Here we +are , and they are waiting for us " + +We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had +found ourselves in the morning . Our cabs were dismissed , and , +following the guidance of Mr . Merryweather , we passed down a +narrow passage and through a side door , which he opened for us . +Within there was a small corridor , which ended in a very massive +iron gate . This also was opened , and led down a flight of winding +stone steps , which terminated at another formidable gate . Mr . +Merryweather stopped to light a lantern , and then conducted us +down a dark , earth - smelling passage , and so , after opening a +third door , into a huge vault or cellar , which was piled all +round with crates and massive boxes . + +" You are not very vulnerable from above " Holmes remarked as he +held up the lantern and gazed about him . + +" Nor from below " said Mr . Merryweather , striking his stick upon +the flags which lined the floor . " Why , dear me , it sounds quite +hollow " he remarked , looking up in surprise . + +" I must really ask you to be a little more quiet " said Holmes +severely . " You have already imperilled the whole success of our +expedition . Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit +down upon one of those boxes , and not to interfere " + +The solemn Mr . Merryweather perched himself upon a crate , with a +very injured expression upon his face , while Holmes fell upon his +knees upon the floor and , with the lantern and a magnifying lens , +began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones . A few +seconds sufficed to satisfy him , for he sprang to his feet again +and put his glass in his pocket . + +" We have at least an hour before us " he remarked , " for they can +hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed . +Then they will not lose a minute , for the sooner they do their +work the longer time they will have for their escape . We are at +present , Doctor - as no doubt you have divined - in the cellar of +the City branch of one of the principal London banks . Mr . +Merryweather is the chairman of directors , and he will explain to +you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of +London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at +present " + +" It is our French gold " whispered the director . " We have had +several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it " + +" Your French gold " + +" Yes . We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources +and borrowed for that purpose 30 , 000 napoleons from the Bank of +France . It has become known that we have never had occasion to +unpack the money , and that it is still lying in our cellar . The +crate upon which I sit contains 2 , 000 napoleons packed between +layers of lead foil . Our reserve of bullion is much larger at +present than is usually kept in a single branch office , and the +directors have had misgivings upon the subject " + +" Which were very well justified " observed Holmes . " And now it is +time that we arranged our little plans . I expect that within an +hour matters will come to a head . In the meantime Mr . +Merryweather , we must put the screen over that dark lantern " + +" And sit in the dark " + +" I am afraid so . I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket , and +I thought that , as we were a partie carree , you might have your +rubber after all . But I see that the enemy's preparations have +gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light . And , +first of all , we must choose our positions . These are daring men , +and though we shall take them at a disadvantage , they may do us +some harm unless we are careful . I shall stand behind this crate , +and do you conceal yourselves behind those . Then , when I flash a +light upon them , close in swiftly . If they fire , Watson , have no +compunction about shooting them down " + +I placed my revolver , cocked , upon the top of the wooden case +behind which I crouched . Holmes shot the slide across the front +of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness - such an absolute +darkness as I have never before experienced . The smell of hot +metal remained to assure us that the light was still there , ready +to flash out at a moment's notice . To me , with my nerves worked +up to a pitch of expectancy , there was something depressing and +subduing in the sudden gloom , and in the cold dank air of the +vault . + +" They have but one retreat " whispered Holmes . " That is back +through the house into Saxe - Coburg Square . I hope that you have +done what I asked you , Jones " + +" I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door " + +" Then we have stopped all the holes . And now we must be silent +and wait " + +What a time it seemed ! From comparing notes afterwards it was but +an hour and a quarter , yet it appeared to me that the night must +have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us . My limbs +were weary and stiff , for I feared to change my position ; yet my +nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension , and my +hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle +breathing of my companions , but I could distinguish the deeper , +heavier in - breath of the bulky Jones from the thin , sighing note +of the bank director . From my position I could look over the case +in the direction of the floor . Suddenly my eyes caught the glint +of a light . + +At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement . Then +it lengthened out until it became a yellow line , and then , +without any warning or sound , a gash seemed to open and a hand +appeared , a white , almost womanly hand , which felt about in the +centre of the little area of light . For a minute or more the +hand , with its writhing fingers , protruded out of the floor . Then +it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared , and all was dark +again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between +the stones . + +Its disappearance , however , was but momentary . With a rending , +tearing sound , one of the broad , white stones turned over upon +its side and left a square , gaping hole , through which streamed +the light of a lantern . Over the edge there peeped a clean - cut , +boyish face , which looked keenly about it , and then , with a hand +on either side of the aperture , drew itself shoulder - high and +waist - high , until one knee rested upon the edge . In another +instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after +him a companion , lithe and small like himself , with a pale face +and a shock of very red hair . + +" It's all clear " he whispered . " Have you the chisel and the +bags ? Great Scott ! Jump , Archie , jump , and I ' ll swing for it " + +Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the +collar . The other dived down the hole , and I heard the sound of +rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts . The light flashed +upon the barrel of a revolver , but Holmes ' hunting crop came +down on the man's wrist , and the pistol clinked upon the stone +floor . + +" It's no use , John Clay " said Holmes blandly . " You have no +chance at all " + +" So I see " the other answered with the utmost coolness . " I fancy +that my pal is all right , though I see you have got his +coat - tails " + +" There are three men waiting for him at the door " said Holmes . + +" Oh , indeed ! You seem to have done the thing very completely . I +must compliment you " + +" And I you " Holmes answered . " Your red - headed idea was very new +and effective " + +" You ' ll see your pal again presently " said Jones . " He's quicker +at climbing down holes than I am . Just hold out while I fix the +derbies " + +" I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands " +remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists . +" You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins . Have +the goodness , also , when you address me always to say ' sir ' and +' please '" + +" All right " said Jones with a stare and a snigger . " Well , would +you please , sir , march upstairs , where we can get a cab to carry +your Highness to the police - station " + +" That is better " said John Clay serenely . He made a sweeping bow +to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the +detective . + +" Really , Mr . Holmes " said Mr . Merryweather as we followed them +from the cellar , " I do not know how the bank can thank you or +repay you . There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated +in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts +at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience " + +" I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr . +John Clay " said Holmes . " I have been at some small expense over +this matter , which I shall expect the bank to refund , but beyond +that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in +many ways unique , and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of +the Red - headed League " + + +" You see , Watson " he explained in the early hours of the morning +as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street , " it +was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible +object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of +the League , and the copying of the ' Encyclopaedia ' must be to get +this not over - bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of +hours every day . It was a curious way of managing it , but , +really , it would be difficult to suggest a better . The method was +no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his +accomplice's hair . The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw +him , and what was it to them , who were playing for thousands ? +They put in the advertisement , one rogue has the temporary +office , the other rogue incites the man to apply for it , and +together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the +week . From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for +half wages , it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive +for securing the situation " + +" But how could you guess what the motive was " + +" Had there been women in the house , I should have suspected a +mere vulgar intrigue . That , however , was out of the question . The +man's business was a small one , and there was nothing in his +house which could account for such elaborate preparations , and +such an expenditure as they were at . It must , then , be something +out of the house . What could it be ? I thought of the assistant's +fondness for photography , and his trick of vanishing into the +cellar . The cellar ! There was the end of this tangled clue . Then +I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I +had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in +London . He was doing something in the cellar - something which +took many hours a day for months on end . What could it be , once +more ? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel +to some other building . + +" So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action . I +surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick . I was +ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind . +It was not in front . Then I rang the bell , and , as I hoped , the +assistant answered it . We have had some skirmishes , but we had +never set eyes upon each other before . I hardly looked at his +face . His knees were what I wished to see . You must yourself have +remarked how worn , wrinkled , and stained they were . They spoke of +those hours of burrowing . The only remaining point was what they +were burrowing for . I walked round the corner , saw the City and +Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises , and felt that I +had solved my problem . When you drove home after the concert I +called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank +directors , with the result that you have seen " + +" And how could you tell that they would make their attempt +to - night " I asked . + +" Well , when they closed their League offices that was a sign that +they cared no longer about Mr . Jabez Wilson's presence - in other +words , that they had completed their tunnel . But it was essential +that they should use it soon , as it might be discovered , or the +bullion might be removed . Saturday would suit them better than +any other day , as it would give them two days for their escape . +For all these reasons I expected them to come to - night " + +" You reasoned it out beautifully " I exclaimed in unfeigned +admiration . " It is so long a chain , and yet every link rings +true " + +" It saved me from ennui " he answered , yawning . " Alas ! I already +feel it closing in upon me . My life is spent in one long effort +to escape from the commonplaces of existence . These little +problems help me to do so " + +" And you are a benefactor of the race " said I . + +He shrugged his shoulders . " Well , perhaps , after all , it is of +some little use " he remarked . " ' L ' homme c ' est rien - l ' oeuvre +c ' est tout ' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand " + + + +ADVENTURE III . A CASE OF IDENTITY + +" My dear fellow " said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side +of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street , " life is infinitely +stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent . We +would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere +commonplaces of existence . If we could fly out of that window +hand in hand , hover over this great city , gently remove the +roofs , and peep in at the queer things which are going on , the +strange coincidences , the plannings , the cross - purposes , the +wonderful chains of events , working through generations , and +leading to the most outre results , it would make all fiction with +its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and +unprofitable " + +" And yet I am not convinced of it " I answered . " The cases which +come to light in the papers are , as a rule , bald enough , and +vulgar enough . We have in our police reports realism pushed to +its extreme limits , and yet the result is , it must be confessed , +neither fascinating nor artistic " + +" A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a +realistic effect " remarked Holmes . " This is wanting in the +police report , where more stress is laid , perhaps , upon the +platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details , which to an +observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter . Depend +upon it , there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace " + +I smiled and shook my head . " I can quite understand your thinking +so " I said . " Of course , in your position of unofficial adviser +and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled , throughout +three continents , you are brought in contact with all that is +strange and bizarre . But here -- I picked up the morning paper +from the ground -" let us put it to a practical test . Here is the +first heading upon which I come . ' A husband's cruelty to his +wife ' There is half a column of print , but I know without +reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me . There is , of +course , the other woman , the drink , the push , the blow , the +bruise , the sympathetic sister or landlady . The crudest of +writers could invent nothing more crude " + +" Indeed , your example is an unfortunate one for your argument " +said Holmes , taking the paper and glancing his eye down it . " This +is the Dundas separation case , and , as it happens , I was engaged +in clearing up some small points in connection with it . The +husband was a teetotaler , there was no other woman , and the +conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of +winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling +them at his wife , which , you will allow , is not an action likely +to occur to the imagination of the average story - teller . Take a +pinch of snuff , Doctor , and acknowledge that I have scored over +you in your example " + +He held out his snuffbox of old gold , with a great amethyst in +the centre of the lid . Its splendour was in such contrast to his +homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon +it . + +" Ah " said he , " I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks . +It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my +assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers " + +" And the ring " I asked , glancing at a remarkable brilliant which +sparkled upon his finger . + +" It was from the reigning family of Holland , though the matter in +which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it +even to you , who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of +my little problems " + +" And have you any on hand just now " I asked with interest . + +" Some ten or twelve , but none which present any feature of +interest . They are important , you understand , without being +interesting . Indeed , I have found that it is usually in +unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation , +and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the +charm to an investigation . The larger crimes are apt to be the +simpler , for the bigger the crime the more obvious , as a rule , is +the motive . In these cases , save for one rather intricate matter +which has been referred to me from Marseilles , there is nothing +which presents any features of interest . It is possible , however , +that I may have something better before very many minutes are +over , for this is one of my clients , or I am much mistaken " + +He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted +blinds gazing down into the dull neutral - tinted London street . +Looking over his shoulder , I saw that on the pavement opposite +there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck , +and a large curling red feather in a broad - brimmed hat which was +tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her +ear . From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous , +hesitating fashion at our windows , while her body oscillated +backward and forward , and her fingers fidgeted with her glove +buttons . Suddenly , with a plunge , as of the swimmer who leaves +the bank , she hurried across the road , and we heard the sharp +clang of the bell . + +" I have seen those symptoms before " said Holmes , throwing his +cigarette into the fire . " Oscillation upon the pavement always +means an affaire de coeur . She would like advice , but is not sure +that the matter is not too delicate for communication . And yet +even here we may discriminate . When a woman has been seriously +wronged by a man she no longer oscillates , and the usual symptom +is a broken bell wire . Here we may take it that there is a love +matter , but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed , or +grieved . But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts " + +As he spoke there was a tap at the door , and the boy in buttons +entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland , while the lady herself +loomed behind his small black figure like a full - sailed +merchant - man behind a tiny pilot boat . Sherlock Holmes welcomed +her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable , and , +having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair , he looked +her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was +peculiar to him . + +" Do you not find " he said , " that with your short sight it is a +little trying to do so much typewriting " + +" I did at first " she answered , " but now I know where the letters +are without looking " Then , suddenly realising the full purport +of his words , she gave a violent start and looked up , with fear +and astonishment upon her broad , good - humoured face . " You ' ve +heard about me , Mr . Holmes " she cried , " else how could you know +all that " + +" Never mind " said Holmes , laughing ; " it is my business to know +things . Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others +overlook . If not , why should you come to consult me " + +" I came to you , sir , because I heard of you from Mrs . Etherege , +whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had +given him up for dead . Oh , Mr . Holmes , I wish you would do as +much for me . I ' m not rich , but still I have a hundred a year in +my own right , besides the little that I make by the machine , and +I would give it all to know what has become of Mr . Hosmer Angel " + +" Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry " asked +Sherlock Holmes , with his finger - tips together and his eyes to +the ceiling . + +Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss +Mary Sutherland . " Yes , I did bang out of the house " she said , +" for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr . +Windibank - that is , my father - took it all . He would not go to +the police , and he would not go to you , and so at last , as he +would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done , +it made me mad , and I just on with my things and came right away +to you " + +" Your father " said Holmes , " your stepfather , surely , since the +name is different " + +" Yes , my stepfather . I call him father , though it sounds funny , +too , for he is only five years and two months older than myself " + +" And your mother is alive " + +" Oh , yes , mother is alive and well . I wasn't best pleased , Mr . +Holmes , when she married again so soon after father's death , and +a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself . Father +was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road , and he left a tidy +business behind him , which mother carried on with Mr . Hardy , the +foreman ; but when Mr . Windibank came he made her sell the +business , for he was very superior , being a traveller in wines . +They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest , which wasn ' t +near as much as father could have got if he had been alive " + +I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this +rambling and inconsequential narrative , but , on the contrary , he +had listened with the greatest concentration of attention . + +" Your own little income " he asked , " does it come out of the +business " + +" Oh , no , sir . It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle +Ned in Auckland . It is in New Zealand stock , paying 4 1 / 2 per +cent . Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount , but I can +only touch the interest " + +" You interest me extremely " said Holmes . " And since you draw so +large a sum as a hundred a year , with what you earn into the +bargain , you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in +every way . I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely +upon an income of about 60 pounds " + +" I could do with much less than that , Mr . Holmes , but you +understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a +burden to them , and so they have the use of the money just while +I am staying with them . Of course , that is only just for the +time . Mr . Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it +over to mother , and I find that I can do pretty well with what I +earn at typewriting . It brings me twopence a sheet , and I can +often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day " + +" You have made your position very clear to me " said Holmes . +" This is my friend , Dr . Watson , before whom you can speak as +freely as before myself . Kindly tell us now all about your +connection with Mr . Hosmer Angel " + +A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face , and she picked +nervously at the fringe of her jacket . " I met him first at the +gasfitters ' ball " she said . " They used to send father tickets +when he was alive , and then afterwards they remembered us , and +sent them to mother . Mr . Windibank did not wish us to go . He +never did wish us to go anywhere . He would get quite mad if I +wanted so much as to join a Sunday - school treat . But this time I +was set on going , and I would go ; for what right had he to +prevent ? He said the folk were not fit for us to know , when all +father's friends were to be there . And he said that I had nothing +fit to wear , when I had my purple plush that I had never so much +as taken out of the drawer . At last , when nothing else would do , +he went off to France upon the business of the firm , but we went , +mother and I , with Mr . Hardy , who used to be our foreman , and it +was there I met Mr . Hosmer Angel " + +" I suppose " said Holmes , " that when Mr . Windibank came back from +France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball " + +" Oh , well , he was very good about it . He laughed , I remember , and +shrugged his shoulders , and said there was no use denying +anything to a woman , for she would have her way " + +" I see . Then at the gasfitters ' ball you met , as I understand , a +gentleman called Mr . Hosmer Angel " + +" Yes , sir . I met him that night , and he called next day to ask if +we had got home all safe , and after that we met him - that is to +say , Mr . Holmes , I met him twice for walks , but after that father +came back again , and Mr . Hosmer Angel could not come to the house +any more " + +" No " + +" Well , you know father didn't like anything of the sort . He +wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it , and he used to +say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle . But +then , as I used to say to mother , a woman wants her own circle to +begin with , and I had not got mine yet " + +" But how about Mr . Hosmer Angel ? Did he make no attempt to see +you " + +" Well , father was going off to France again in a week , and Hosmer +wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each +other until he had gone . We could write in the meantime , and he +used to write every day . I took the letters in in the morning , so +there was no need for father to know " + +" Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time " + +" Oh , yes , Mr . Holmes . We were engaged after the first walk that +we took . Hosmer - Mr . Angel - was a cashier in an office in +Leadenhall Street - and -" + +" What office " + +" That's the worst of it , Mr . Holmes , I don't know " + +" Where did he live , then " + +" He slept on the premises " + +" And you don't know his address " + +" No - except that it was Leadenhall Street " + +" Where did you address your letters , then " + +" To the Leadenhall Street Post Office , to be left till called +for . He said that if they were sent to the office he would be +chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady , +so I offered to typewrite them , like he did his , but he wouldn ' t +have that , for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come +from me , but when they were typewritten he always felt that the +machine had come between us . That will just show you how fond he +was of me , Mr . Holmes , and the little things that he would think +of " + +" It was most suggestive " said Holmes . " It has long been an axiom +of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important . +Can you remember any other little things about Mr . Hosmer Angel " + +" He was a very shy man , Mr . Holmes . He would rather walk with me +in the evening than in the daylight , for he said that he hated to +be conspicuous . Very retiring and gentlemanly he was . Even his +voice was gentle . He ' d had the quinsy and swollen glands when he +was young , he told me , and it had left him with a weak throat , +and a hesitating , whispering fashion of speech . He was always +well dressed , very neat and plain , but his eyes were weak , just +as mine are , and he wore tinted glasses against the glare " + +" Well , and what happened when Mr . Windibank , your stepfather , +returned to France " + +" Mr . Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we +should marry before father came back . He was in dreadful earnest +and made me swear , with my hands on the Testament , that whatever +happened I would always be true to him . Mother said he was quite +right to make me swear , and that it was a sign of his passion . +Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder +of him than I was . Then , when they talked of marrying within the +week , I began to ask about father ; but they both said never to +mind about father , but just to tell him afterwards , and mother +said she would make it all right with him . I didn't quite like +that , Mr . Holmes . It seemed funny that I should ask his leave , as +he was only a few years older than me ; but I didn't want to do +anything on the sly , so I wrote to father at Bordeaux , where the +company has its French offices , but the letter came back to me on +the very morning of the wedding " + +" It missed him , then " + +" Yes , sir ; for he had started to England just before it arrived " + +" Ha ! that was unfortunate . Your wedding was arranged , then , for +the Friday . Was it to be in church " + +" Yes , sir , but very quietly . It was to be at St . Saviour's , near +King's Cross , and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St . +Pancras Hotel . Hosmer came for us in a hansom , but as there were +two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a +four - wheeler , which happened to be the only other cab in the +street . We got to the church first , and when the four - wheeler +drove up we waited for him to step out , but he never did , and +when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one +there ! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become +of him , for he had seen him get in with his own eyes . That was +last Friday , Mr . Holmes , and I have never seen or heard anything +since then to throw any light upon what became of him " + +" It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated " said +Holmes . + +" Oh , no , sir ! He was too good and kind to leave me so . Why , all +the morning he was saying to me that , whatever happened , I was to +be true ; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to +separate us , I was always to remember that I was pledged to him , +and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later . It seemed +strange talk for a wedding - morning , but what has happened since +gives a meaning to it " + +" Most certainly it does . Your own opinion is , then , that some +unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him " + +" Yes , sir . I believe that he foresaw some danger , or else he +would not have talked so . And then I think that what he foresaw +happened " + +" But you have no notion as to what it could have been " + +" None " + +" One more question . How did your mother take the matter " + +" She was angry , and said that I was never to speak of the matter +again " + +" And your father ? Did you tell him " + +" Yes ; and he seemed to think , with me , that something had +happened , and that I should hear of Hosmer again . As he said , +what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of +the church , and then leaving me ? Now , if he had borrowed my +money , or if he had married me and got my money settled on him , +there might be some reason , but Hosmer was very independent about +money and never would look at a shilling of mine . And yet , what +could have happened ? And why could he not write ? Oh , it drives me +half - mad to think of it , and I can't sleep a wink at night " She +pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob +heavily into it . + +" I shall glance into the case for you " said Holmes , rising , " and +I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result . Let the +weight of the matter rest upon me now , and do not let your mind +dwell upon it further . Above all , try to let Mr . Hosmer Angel +vanish from your memory , as he has done from your life " + +" Then you don't think I ' ll see him again " + +" I fear not " + +" Then what has happened to him " + +" You will leave that question in my hands . I should like an +accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can +spare " + +" I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle " said she . +" Here is the slip and here are four letters from him " + +" Thank you . And your address " + +" No . 31 Lyon Place , Camberwell " + +" Mr . Angel's address you never had , I understand . Where is your +father's place of business " + +" He travels for Westhouse & Marbank , the great claret importers +of Fenchurch Street " + +" Thank you . You have made your statement very clearly . You will +leave the papers here , and remember the advice which I have given +you . Let the whole incident be a sealed book , and do not allow it +to affect your life " + +" You are very kind , Mr . Holmes , but I cannot do that . I shall be +true to Hosmer . He shall find me ready when he comes back " + +For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face , there was +something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which +compelled our respect . She laid her little bundle of papers upon +the table and went her way , with a promise to come again whenever +she might be summoned . + +Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips +still pressed together , his legs stretched out in front of him , +and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling . Then he took down +from the rack the old and oily clay pipe , which was to him as a +counsellor , and , having lit it , he leaned back in his chair , with +the thick blue cloud - wreaths spinning up from him , and a look of +infinite languor in his face . + +" Quite an interesting study , that maiden " he observed . " I found +her more interesting than her little problem , which , by the way , +is rather a trite one . You will find parallel cases , if you +consult my index , in Andover in ' 77 , and there was something of +the sort at The Hague last year . Old as is the idea , however , +there were one or two details which were new to me . But the +maiden herself was most instructive " + +" You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite +invisible to me " I remarked . + +" Not invisible but unnoticed , Watson . You did not know where to +look , and so you missed all that was important . I can never bring +you to realise the importance of sleeves , the suggestiveness of +thumb - nails , or the great issues that may hang from a boot - lace . +Now , what did you gather from that woman's appearance ? Describe +it " + +" Well , she had a slate - coloured , broad - brimmed straw hat , with a +feather of a brickish red . Her jacket was black , with black beads +sewn upon it , and a fringe of little black jet ornaments . Her +dress was brown , rather darker than coffee colour , with a little +purple plush at the neck and sleeves . Her gloves were greyish and +were worn through at the right forefinger . Her boots I didn ' t +observe . She had small round , hanging gold earrings , and a +general air of being fairly well - to - do in a vulgar , comfortable , +easy - going way " + +Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled . + + ' Pon my word , Watson , you are coming along wonderfully . You have +really done very well indeed . It is true that you have missed +everything of importance , but you have hit upon the method , and +you have a quick eye for colour . Never trust to general +impressions , my boy , but concentrate yourself upon details . My +first glance is always at a woman's sleeve . In a man it is +perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser . As you +observe , this woman had plush upon her sleeves , which is a most +useful material for showing traces . The double line a little +above the wrist , where the typewritist presses against the table , +was beautifully defined . The sewing - machine , of the hand type , +leaves a similar mark , but only on the left arm , and on the side +of it farthest from the thumb , instead of being right across the +broadest part , as this was . I then glanced at her face , and , +observing the dint of a pince - nez at either side of her nose , I +ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting , which seemed +to surprise her " + +" It surprised me " + +" But , surely , it was obvious . I was then much surprised and +interested on glancing down to observe that , though the boots +which she was wearing were not unlike each other , they were +really odd ones ; the one having a slightly decorated toe - cap , and +the other a plain one . One was buttoned only in the two lower +buttons out of five , and the other at the first , third , and +fifth . Now , when you see that a young lady , otherwise neatly +dressed , has come away from home with odd boots , half - buttoned , +it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry " + +" And what else " I asked , keenly interested , as I always was , by +my friend's incisive reasoning . + +" I noted , in passing , that she had written a note before leaving +home but after being fully dressed . You observed that her right +glove was torn at the forefinger , but you did not apparently see +that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink . She had +written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep . It must have been +this morning , or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger . +All this is amusing , though rather elementary , but I must go back +to business , Watson . Would you mind reading me the advertised +description of Mr . Hosmer Angel " + +I held the little printed slip to the light . + +" Missing " it said , " on the morning of the fourteenth , a gentleman +named Hosmer Angel . About five ft . seven in . in height ; +strongly built , sallow complexion , black hair , a little bald in +the centre , bushy , black side - whiskers and moustache ; tinted +glasses , slight infirmity of speech . Was dressed , when last seen , +in black frock - coat faced with silk , black waistcoat , gold Albert +chain , and grey Harris tweed trousers , with brown gaiters over +elastic - sided boots . Known to have been employed in an office in +Leadenhall Street . Anybody bringing -" + +" That will do " said Holmes . " As to the letters " he continued , +glancing over them , " they are very commonplace . Absolutely no +clue in them to Mr . Angel , save that he quotes Balzac once . There +is one remarkable point , however , which will no doubt strike +you " + +" They are typewritten " I remarked . + +" Not only that , but the signature is typewritten . Look at the +neat little ' Hosmer Angel ' at the bottom . There is a date , you +see , but no superscription except Leadenhall Street , which is +rather vague . The point about the signature is very suggestive - in +fact , we may call it conclusive " + +" Of what " + +" My dear fellow , is it possible you do not see how strongly it +bears upon the case " + +" I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able +to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were +instituted " + +" No , that was not the point . However , I shall write two letters , +which should settle the matter . One is to a firm in the City , the +other is to the young lady's stepfather , Mr . Windibank , asking +him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow +evening . It is just as well that we should do business with the +male relatives . And now , Doctor , we can do nothing until the +answers to those letters come , so we may put our little problem +upon the shelf for the interim " + +I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers +of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that +he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy +demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had +been called upon to fathom . Once only had I known him to fail , in +the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler +photograph ; but when I looked back to the weird business of the +Sign of Four , and the extraordinary circumstances connected with +the Study in Scarlet , I felt that it would be a strange tangle +indeed which he could not unravel . + +I left him then , still puffing at his black clay pipe , with the +conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would +find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up +to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary +Sutherland . + +A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own +attention at the time , and the whole of next day I was busy at +the bedside of the sufferer . It was not until close upon six +o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a +hansom and drive to Baker Street , half afraid that I might be too +late to assist at the denouement of the little mystery . I found +Sherlock Holmes alone , however , half asleep , with his long , thin +form curled up in the recesses of his armchair . A formidable +array of bottles and test - tubes , with the pungent cleanly smell +of hydrochloric acid , told me that he had spent his day in the +chemical work which was so dear to him . + +" Well , have you solved it " I asked as I entered . + +" Yes . It was the bisulphate of baryta " + +" No , no , the mystery " I cried . + +" Oh , that ! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon . +There was never any mystery in the matter , though , as I said +yesterday , some of the details are of interest . The only drawback +is that there is no law , I fear , that can touch the scoundrel " + +" Who was he , then , and what was his object in deserting Miss +Sutherland " + +The question was hardly out of my mouth , and Holmes had not yet +opened his lips to reply , when we heard a heavy footfall in the +passage and a tap at the door . + +" This is the girl's stepfather , Mr . James Windibank " said +Holmes . " He has written to me to say that he would be here at +six . Come in " + +The man who entered was a sturdy , middle - sized fellow , some +thirty years of age , clean - shaven , and sallow - skinned , with a +bland , insinuating manner , and a pair of wonderfully sharp and +penetrating grey eyes . He shot a questioning glance at each of +us , placed his shiny top - hat upon the sideboard , and with a +slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair . + +" Good - evening , Mr . James Windibank " said Holmes . " I think that +this typewritten letter is from you , in which you made an +appointment with me for six o'clock " + +" Yes , sir . I am afraid that I am a little late , but I am not +quite my own master , you know . I am sorry that Miss Sutherland +has troubled you about this little matter , for I think it is far +better not to wash linen of the sort in public . It was quite +against my wishes that she came , but she is a very excitable , +impulsive girl , as you may have noticed , and she is not easily +controlled when she has made up her mind on a point . Of course , I +did not mind you so much , as you are not connected with the +official police , but it is not pleasant to have a family +misfortune like this noised abroad . Besides , it is a useless +expense , for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel " + +" On the contrary " said Holmes quietly ; " I have every reason to +believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr . Hosmer Angel " + +Mr . Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves . " I am +delighted to hear it " he said . + +" It is a curious thing " remarked Holmes , " that a typewriter has +really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting . Unless +they are quite new , no two of them write exactly alike . Some +letters get more worn than others , and some wear only on one +side . Now , you remark in this note of yours , Mr . Windibank , that +in every case there is some little slurring over of the ' e ' and +a slight defect in the tail of the ' r ' There are fourteen other +characteristics , but those are the more obvious " + +" We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office , +and no doubt it is a little worn " our visitor answered , glancing +keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes . + +" And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study , +Mr . Windibank " Holmes continued . " I think of writing another +little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its +relation to crime . It is a subject to which I have devoted some +little attention . I have here four letters which purport to come +from the missing man . They are all typewritten . In each case , not +only are the ' e's ' slurred and the ' r's ' tailless , but you will +observe , if you care to use my magnifying lens , that the fourteen +other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well " + +Mr . Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat . " I +cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk , Mr . Holmes " +he said . " If you can catch the man , catch him , and let me know +when you have done it " + +" Certainly " said Holmes , stepping over and turning the key in +the door . " I let you know , then , that I have caught him " + +" What ! where " shouted Mr . Windibank , turning white to his lips +and glancing about him like a rat in a trap . + +" Oh , it won't do - really it won't " said Holmes suavely . " There +is no possible getting out of it , Mr . Windibank . It is quite too +transparent , and it was a very bad compliment when you said that +it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question . That's +right ! Sit down and let us talk it over " + +Our visitor collapsed into a chair , with a ghastly face and a +glitter of moisture on his brow . " It - it's not actionable " he +stammered . + +" I am very much afraid that it is not . But between ourselves , +Windibank , it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a +petty way as ever came before me . Now , let me just run over the +course of events , and you will contradict me if I go wrong " + +The man sat huddled up in his chair , with his head sunk upon his +breast , like one who is utterly crushed . Holmes stuck his feet up +on the corner of the mantelpiece and , leaning back with his hands +in his pockets , began talking , rather to himself , as it seemed , +than to us . + +" The man married a woman very much older than himself for her +money " said he , " and he enjoyed the use of the money of the +daughter as long as she lived with them . It was a considerable +sum , for people in their position , and the loss of it would have +made a serious difference . It was worth an effort to preserve it . +The daughter was of a good , amiable disposition , but affectionate +and warm - hearted in her ways , so that it was evident that with +her fair personal advantages , and her little income , she would +not be allowed to remain single long . Now her marriage would +mean , of course , the loss of a hundred a year , so what does her +stepfather do to prevent it ? He takes the obvious course of +keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of +people of her own age . But soon he found that that would not +answer forever . She became restive , insisted upon her rights , and +finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain +ball . What does her clever stepfather do then ? He conceives an +idea more creditable to his head than to his heart . With the +connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself , +covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses , masked the face with +a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers , sunk that clear voice +into an insinuating whisper , and doubly secure on account of the +girl's short sight , he appears as Mr . Hosmer Angel , and keeps off +other lovers by making love himself " + +" It was only a joke at first " groaned our visitor . " We never +thought that she would have been so carried away " + +" Very likely not . However that may be , the young lady was very +decidedly carried away , and , having quite made up her mind that +her stepfather was in France , the suspicion of treachery never +for an instant entered her mind . She was flattered by the +gentleman's attentions , and the effect was increased by the +loudly expressed admiration of her mother . Then Mr . Angel began +to call , for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as +far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced . There +were meetings , and an engagement , which would finally secure the +girl's affections from turning towards anyone else . But the +deception could not be kept up forever . These pretended journeys +to France were rather cumbrous . The thing to do was clearly to +bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it +would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and +prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to +come . Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament , and +hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening +on the very morning of the wedding . James Windibank wished Miss +Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel , and so uncertain as to +his fate , that for ten years to come , at any rate , she would not +listen to another man . As far as the church door he brought her , +and then , as he could go no farther , he conveniently vanished +away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a +four - wheeler and out at the other . I think that was the chain of +events , Mr . Windibank " + +Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes +had been talking , and he rose from his chair now with a cold +sneer upon his pale face . + +" It may be so , or it may not , Mr . Holmes " said he , " but if you +are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is +you who are breaking the law now , and not me . I have done nothing +actionable from the first , but as long as you keep that door +locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal +constraint " + +" The law cannot , as you say , touch you " said Holmes , unlocking +and throwing open the door , " yet there never was a man who +deserved punishment more . If the young lady has a brother or a +friend , he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders . By Jove " +he continued , flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon +the man's face , " it is not part of my duties to my client , but +here's a hunting crop handy , and I think I shall just treat +myself to -" He took two swift steps to the whip , but before he +could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs , +the heavy hall door banged , and from the window we could see Mr . +James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road . + +" There's a cold - blooded scoundrel " said Holmes , laughing , as he +threw himself down into his chair once more . " That fellow will +rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad , and +ends on a gallows . The case has , in some respects , been not +entirely devoid of interest " + +" I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning " I +remarked . + +" Well , of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr . +Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious +conduct , and it was equally clear that the only man who really +profited by the incident , as far as we could see , was the +stepfather . Then the fact that the two men were never together , +but that the one always appeared when the other was away , was +suggestive . So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice , +which both hinted at a disguise , as did the bushy whiskers . My +suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in +typewriting his signature , which , of course , inferred that his +handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even +the smallest sample of it . You see all these isolated facts , +together with many minor ones , all pointed in the same +direction " + +" And how did you verify them " + +" Having once spotted my man , it was easy to get corroboration . I +knew the firm for which this man worked . Having taken the printed +description . I eliminated everything from it which could be the +result of a disguise - the whiskers , the glasses , the voice , and I +sent it to the firm , with a request that they would inform me +whether it answered to the description of any of their +travellers . I had already noticed the peculiarities of the +typewriter , and I wrote to the man himself at his business +address asking him if he would come here . As I expected , his +reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but +characteristic defects . The same post brought me a letter from +Westhouse & Marbank , of Fenchurch Street , to say that the +description tallied in every respect with that of their employe , +James Windibank . Voila tout " + +" And Miss Sutherland " + +" If I tell her she will not believe me . You may remember the old +Persian saying , ' There is danger for him who taketh the tiger +cub , and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman ' +There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace , and as much +knowledge of the world " + + + +ADVENTURE IV . THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY + +We were seated at breakfast one morning , my wife and I , when the +maid brought in a telegram . It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran +in this way : + +" Have you a couple of days to spare ? Have just been wired for from +the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy . +Shall be glad if you will come with me . Air and scenery perfect . +Leave Paddington by the 11 : 15 " + +" What do you say , dear " said my wife , looking across at me . +" Will you go " + +" I really don't know what to say . I have a fairly long list at +present " + +" Oh , Anstruther would do your work for you . You have been looking +a little pale lately . I think that the change would do you good , +and you are always so interested in Mr . Sherlock Holmes ' cases " + +" I should be ungrateful if I were not , seeing what I gained +through one of them " I answered . " But if I am to go , I must pack +at once , for I have only half an hour " + +My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the +effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller . My wants were +few and simple , so that in less than the time stated I was in a +cab with my valise , rattling away to Paddington Station . Sherlock +Holmes was pacing up and down the platform , his tall , gaunt +figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey +travelling - cloak and close - fitting cloth cap . + +" It is really very good of you to come , Watson " said he . " It +makes a considerable difference to me , having someone with me on +whom I can thoroughly rely . Local aid is always either worthless +or else biassed . If you will keep the two corner seats I shall +get the tickets " + +We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of +papers which Holmes had brought with him . Among these he rummaged +and read , with intervals of note - taking and of meditation , until +we were past Reading . Then he suddenly rolled them all into a +gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack . + +" Have you heard anything of the case " he asked . + +" Not a word . I have not seen a paper for some days " + +" The London press has not had very full accounts . I have just +been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the +particulars . It seems , from what I gather , to be one of those +simple cases which are so extremely difficult " + +" That sounds a little paradoxical " + +" But it is profoundly true . Singularity is almost invariably a +clue . The more featureless and commonplace a crime is , the more +difficult it is to bring it home . In this case , however , they +have established a very serious case against the son of the +murdered man " + +" It is a murder , then " + +" Well , it is conjectured to be so . I shall take nothing for +granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into +it . I will explain the state of things to you , as far as I have +been able to understand it , in a very few words . + +" Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross , in +Herefordshire . The largest landed proprietor in that part is a +Mr . John Turner , who made his money in Australia and returned +some years ago to the old country . One of the farms which he +held , that of Hatherley , was let to Mr . Charles McCarthy , who was +also an ex - Australian . The men had known each other in the +colonies , so that it was not unnatural that when they came to +settle down they should do so as near each other as possible . +Turner was apparently the richer man , so McCarthy became his +tenant but still remained , it seems , upon terms of perfect +equality , as they were frequently together . McCarthy had one son , +a lad of eighteen , and Turner had an only daughter of the same +age , but neither of them had wives living . They appear to have +avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to +have led retired lives , though both the McCarthys were fond of +sport and were frequently seen at the race - meetings of the +neighbourhood . McCarthy kept two servants - a man and a girl . +Turner had a considerable household , some half - dozen at the +least . That is as much as I have been able to gather about the +families . Now for the facts . + +" On June 3rd , that is , on Monday last , McCarthy left his house at +Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the +Boscombe Pool , which is a small lake formed by the spreading out +of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley . He had been +out with his serving - man in the morning at Ross , and he had told +the man that he must hurry , as he had an appointment of +importance to keep at three . From that appointment he never came +back alive . + +" From Hatherley Farm - house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a +mile , and two people saw him as he passed over this ground . One +was an old woman , whose name is not mentioned , and the other was +William Crowder , a game - keeper in the employ of Mr . Turner . Both +these witnesses depose that Mr . McCarthy was walking alone . The +game - keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr . +McCarthy pass he had seen his son , Mr . James McCarthy , going the +same way with a gun under his arm . To the best of his belief , the +father was actually in sight at the time , and the son was +following him . He thought no more of the matter until he heard in +the evening of the tragedy that had occurred . + +" The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder , +the game - keeper , lost sight of them . The Boscombe Pool is thickly +wooded round , with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the +edge . A girl of fourteen , Patience Moran , who is the daughter of +the lodge - keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate , was in one of the +woods picking flowers . She states that while she was there she +saw , at the border of the wood and close by the lake , Mr . +McCarthy and his son , and that they appeared to be having a +violent quarrel . She heard Mr . McCarthy the elder using very +strong language to his son , and she saw the latter raise up his +hand as if to strike his father . She was so frightened by their +violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached +home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near +Boscombe Pool , and that she was afraid that they were going to +fight . She had hardly said the words when young Mr . McCarthy came +running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead +in the wood , and to ask for the help of the lodge - keeper . He was +much excited , without either his gun or his hat , and his right +hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood . On +following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the +grass beside the pool . The head had been beaten in by repeated +blows of some heavy and blunt weapon . The injuries were such as +might very well have been inflicted by the butt - end of his son's +gun , which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the +body . Under these circumstances the young man was instantly +arrested , and a verdict of ' wilful murder ' having been returned +at the inquest on Tuesday , he was on Wednesday brought before the +magistrates at Ross , who have referred the case to the next +Assizes . Those are the main facts of the case as they came out +before the coroner and the police - court " + +" I could hardly imagine a more damning case " I remarked . " If +ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so +here " + +" Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing " answered Holmes +thoughtfully . " It may seem to point very straight to one thing , +but if you shift your own point of view a little , you may find it +pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something +entirely different . It must be confessed , however , that the case +looks exceedingly grave against the young man , and it is very +possible that he is indeed the culprit . There are several people +in the neighbourhood , however , and among them Miss Turner , the +daughter of the neighbouring landowner , who believe in his +innocence , and who have retained Lestrade , whom you may recollect +in connection with the Study in Scarlet , to work out the case in +his interest . Lestrade , being rather puzzled , has referred the +case to me , and hence it is that two middle - aged gentlemen are +flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly +digesting their breakfasts at home " + +" I am afraid " said I , " that the facts are so obvious that you +will find little credit to be gained out of this case " + +" There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact " he +answered , laughing . " Besides , we may chance to hit upon some +other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to +Mr . Lestrade . You know me too well to think that I am boasting +when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by +means which he is quite incapable of employing , or even of +understanding . To take the first example to hand , I very clearly +perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right - hand +side , and yet I question whether Mr . Lestrade would have noted +even so self - evident a thing as that " + +" How on earth -" + +" My dear fellow , I know you well . I know the military neatness +which characterises you . You shave every morning , and in this +season you shave by the sunlight ; but since your shaving is less +and less complete as we get farther back on the left side , until +it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the +jaw , it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated +than the other . I could not imagine a man of your habits looking +at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a +result . I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and +inference . Therein lies my metier , and it is just possible that +it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before +us . There are one or two minor points which were brought out in +the inquest , and which are worth considering " + +" What are they " + +" It appears that his arrest did not take place at once , but after +the return to Hatherley Farm . On the inspector of constabulary +informing him that he was a prisoner , he remarked that he was not +surprised to hear it , and that it was no more than his deserts . +This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any +traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the +coroner's jury " + +" It was a confession " I ejaculated . + +" No , for it was followed by a protestation of innocence " + +" Coming on the top of such a damning series of events , it was at +least a most suspicious remark " + +" On the contrary " said Holmes , " it is the brightest rift which I +can at present see in the clouds . However innocent he might be , +he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the +circumstances were very black against him . Had he appeared +surprised at his own arrest , or feigned indignation at it , I +should have looked upon it as highly suspicious , because such +surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances , +and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man . His +frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent +man , or else as a man of considerable self - restraint and +firmness . As to his remark about his deserts , it was also not +unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of +his father , and that there is no doubt that he had that very day +so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him , and +even , according to the little girl whose evidence is so +important , to raise his hand as if to strike him . The +self - reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark +appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a +guilty one " + +I shook my head . " Many men have been hanged on far slighter +evidence " I remarked . + +" So they have . And many men have been wrongfully hanged " + +" What is the young man's own account of the matter " + +" It is , I am afraid , not very encouraging to his supporters , +though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive . +You will find it here , and may read it for yourself " + +He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire +paper , and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the +paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own +statement of what had occurred . I settled myself down in the +corner of the carriage and read it very carefully . It ran in this +way : + +" Mr . James McCarthy , the only son of the deceased , was then called +and gave evidence as follows : ' I had been away from home for +three days at Bristol , and had only just returned upon the +morning of last Monday , the 3rd . My father was absent from home at +the time of my arrival , and I was informed by the maid that he +had driven over to Ross with John Cobb , the groom . Shortly after +my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard , and , +looking out of my window , I saw him get out and walk rapidly out +of the yard , though I was not aware in which direction he was +going . I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of +the Boscombe Pool , with the intention of visiting the rabbit +warren which is upon the other side . On my way I saw William +Crowder , the game - keeper , as he had stated in his evidence ; but +he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father . I had +no idea that he was in front of me . When about a hundred yards +from the pool I heard a cry of " Cooee " which was a usual signal +between my father and myself . I then hurried forward , and found +him standing by the pool . He appeared to be much surprised at +seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there . A +conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows , +for my father was a man of a very violent temper . Seeing that his +passion was becoming ungovernable , I left him and returned +towards Hatherley Farm . I had not gone more than 150 yards , +however , when I heard a hideous outcry behind me , which caused me +to run back again . I found my father expiring upon the ground , +with his head terribly injured . I dropped my gun and held him in +my arms , but he almost instantly expired . I knelt beside him for +some minutes , and then made my way to Mr . Turner's lodge - keeper , +his house being the nearest , to ask for assistance . I saw no one +near my father when I returned , and I have no idea how he came by +his injuries . He was not a popular man , being somewhat cold and +forbidding in his manners , but he had , as far as I know , no +active enemies . I know nothing further of the matter ' + +" The Coroner : Did your father make any statement to you before +he died ? + +" Witness : He mumbled a few words , but I could only catch some +allusion to a rat . + +" The Coroner : What did you understand by that ? + +" Witness : It conveyed no meaning to me . I thought that he was +delirious . + +" The Coroner : What was the point upon which you and your father +had this final quarrel ? + +" Witness : I should prefer not to answer . + +" The Coroner : I am afraid that I must press it . + +" Witness : It is really impossible for me to tell you . I can +assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which +followed . + +" The Coroner : That is for the court to decide . I need not point +out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case +considerably in any future proceedings which may arise . + +" Witness : I must still refuse . + +" The Coroner : I understand that the cry of ' Cooee ' was a common +signal between you and your father ? + +" Witness : It was . + +" The Coroner : How was it , then , that he uttered it before he saw +you , and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol ? + +" Witness ( with considerable confusion : I do not know . + +" A Juryman : Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions +when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father +fatally injured ? + +" Witness : Nothing definite . + +" The Coroner : What do you mean ? + +" Witness : I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into +the open , that I could think of nothing except of my father . Yet +I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay +upon the ground to the left of me . It seemed to me to be +something grey in colour , a coat of some sort , or a plaid perhaps . +When I rose from my father I looked round for it , but it was +gone . + + ' Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help ' + + ' Yes , it was gone ' + + ' You cannot say what it was ' + + ' No , I had a feeling something was there ' + + ' How far from the body ' + + ' A dozen yards or so ' + + ' And how far from the edge of the wood ' + + ' About the same ' + + ' Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen +yards of it ' + + ' Yes , but with my back towards it ' + +" This concluded the examination of the witness " + +" I see " said I as I glanced down the column , " that the coroner +in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy . +He calls attention , and with reason , to the discrepancy about his +father having signalled to him before seeing him , also to his +refusal to give details of his conversation with his father , and +his singular account of his father's dying words . They are all , +as he remarks , very much against the son " + +Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon +the cushioned seat . " Both you and the coroner have been at some +pains " said he , " to single out the very strongest points in the +young man's favour . Don't you see that you alternately give him +credit for having too much imagination and too little ? Too +little , if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would +give him the sympathy of the jury ; too much , if he evolved from +his own inner consciousness anything so outre as a dying +reference to a rat , and the incident of the vanishing cloth . No , +sir , I shall approach this case from the point of view that what +this young man says is true , and we shall see whither that +hypothesis will lead us . And now here is my pocket Petrarch , and +not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the +scene of action . We lunch at Swindon , and I see that we shall be +there in twenty minutes " + +It was nearly four o'clock when we at last , after passing through +the beautiful Stroud Valley , and over the broad gleaming Severn , +found ourselves at the pretty little country - town of Ross . A +lean , ferret - like man , furtive and sly - looking , was waiting for +us upon the platform . In spite of the light brown dustcoat and +leather - leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic +surroundings , I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade , of +Scotland Yard . With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a +room had already been engaged for us . + +" I have ordered a carriage " said Lestrade as we sat over a cup +of tea . " I knew your energetic nature , and that you would not be +happy until you had been on the scene of the crime " + +" It was very nice and complimentary of you " Holmes answered . " It +is entirely a question of barometric pressure " + +Lestrade looked startled . " I do not quite follow " he said . + +" How is the glass ? Twenty - nine , I see . No wind , and not a cloud +in the sky . I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need +smoking , and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country +hotel abomination . I do not think that it is probable that I +shall use the carriage to - night " + +Lestrade laughed indulgently . " You have , no doubt , already formed +your conclusions from the newspapers " he said . " The case is as +plain as a pikestaff , and the more one goes into it the plainer +it becomes . Still , of course , one can't refuse a lady , and such a +very positive one , too . She has heard of you , and would have your +opinion , though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing +which you could do which I had not already done . Why , bless my +soul ! here is her carriage at the door " + +He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the +most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life . Her +violet eyes shining , her lips parted , a pink flush upon her +cheeks , all thought of her natural reserve lost in her +overpowering excitement and concern . + +" Oh , Mr . Sherlock Holmes " she cried , glancing from one to the +other of us , and finally , with a woman's quick intuition , +fastening upon my companion , " I am so glad that you have come . I +have driven down to tell you so . I know that James didn't do it . +I know it , and I want you to start upon your work knowing it , +too . Never let yourself doubt upon that point . We have known each +other since we were little children , and I know his faults as no +one else does ; but he is too tender - hearted to hurt a fly . Such a +charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him " + +" I hope we may clear him , Miss Turner " said Sherlock Holmes . +" You may rely upon my doing all that I can " + +" But you have read the evidence . You have formed some conclusion ? +Do you not see some loophole , some flaw ? Do you not yourself +think that he is innocent " + +" I think that it is very probable " + +" There , now " she cried , throwing back her head and looking +defiantly at Lestrade . " You hear ! He gives me hopes " + +Lestrade shrugged his shoulders . " I am afraid that my colleague +has been a little quick in forming his conclusions " he said . + +" But he is right . Oh ! I know that he is right . James never did +it . And about his quarrel with his father , I am sure that the +reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because +I was concerned in it " + +" In what way " asked Holmes . + +" It is no time for me to hide anything . James and his father had +many disagreements about me . Mr . McCarthy was very anxious that +there should be a marriage between us . James and I have always +loved each other as brother and sister ; but of course he is young +and has seen very little of life yet , and - and - well , he +naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet . So there +were quarrels , and this , I am sure , was one of them " + +" And your father " asked Holmes . " Was he in favour of such a +union " + +" No , he was averse to it also . No one but Mr . McCarthy was in +favour of it " A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as +Holmes shot one of his keen , questioning glances at her . + +" Thank you for this information " said he . " May I see your father +if I call to - morrow " + +" I am afraid the doctor won't allow it " + +" The doctor " + +" Yes , have you not heard ? Poor father has never been strong for +years back , but this has broken him down completely . He has taken +to his bed , and Dr . Willows says that he is a wreck and that his +nervous system is shattered . Mr . McCarthy was the only man alive +who had known dad in the old days in Victoria " + +" Ha ! In Victoria ! That is important " + +" Yes , at the mines " + +" Quite so ; at the gold - mines , where , as I understand , Mr . Turner +made his money " + +" Yes , certainly " + +" Thank you , Miss Turner . You have been of material assistance to +me " + +" You will tell me if you have any news to - morrow . No doubt you +will go to the prison to see James . Oh , if you do , Mr . Holmes , do +tell him that I know him to be innocent " + +" I will , Miss Turner " + +" I must go home now , for dad is very ill , and he misses me so if +I leave him . Good - bye , and God help you in your undertaking " She +hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered , and we +heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street . + +" I am ashamed of you , Holmes " said Lestrade with dignity after a +few minutes ' silence . " Why should you raise up hopes which you +are bound to disappoint ? I am not over - tender of heart , but I +call it cruel " + +" I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy " said +Holmes . " Have you an order to see him in prison " + +" Yes , but only for you and me " + +" Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out . We have +still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to - night " + +" Ample " + +" Then let us do so . Watson , I fear that you will find it very +slow , but I shall only be away a couple of hours " + +I walked down to the station with them , and then wandered through +the streets of the little town , finally returning to the hotel , +where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a +yellow - backed novel . The puny plot of the story was so thin , +however , when compared to the deep mystery through which we were +groping , and I found my attention wander so continually from the +action to the fact , that I at last flung it across the room and +gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the +day . Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were +absolutely true , then what hellish thing , what absolutely +unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between +the time when he parted from his father , and the moment when , +drawn back by his screams , he rushed into the glade ? It was +something terrible and deadly . What could it be ? Might not the +nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts ? +I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper , which +contained a verbatim account of the inquest . In the surgeon's +deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left +parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been +shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon . I marked the spot +upon my own head . Clearly such a blow must have been struck from +behind . That was to some extent in favour of the accused , as when +seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father . Still , it +did not go for very much , for the older man might have turned his +back before the blow fell . Still , it might be worth while to call +Holmes ' attention to it . Then there was the peculiar dying +reference to a rat . What could that mean ? It could not be +delirium . A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become +delirious . No , it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how +he met his fate . But what could it indicate ? I cudgelled my +brains to find some possible explanation . And then the incident +of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy . If that were true the +murderer must have dropped some part of his dress , presumably his +overcoat , in his flight , and must have had the hardihood to +return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was +kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off . What a +tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was ! I +did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion , and yet I had so much faith +in Sherlock Holmes ' insight that I could not lose hope as long +as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young +McCarthy's innocence . + +It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned . He came back alone , +for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town . + +" The glass still keeps very high " he remarked as he sat down . +" It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able +to go over the ground . On the other hand , a man should be at his +very best and keenest for such nice work as that , and I did not +wish to do it when fagged by a long journey . I have seen young +McCarthy " + +" And what did you learn from him " + +" Nothing " + +" Could he throw no light " + +" None at all . I was inclined to think at one time that he knew +who had done it and was screening him or her , but I am convinced +now that he is as puzzled as everyone else . He is not a very +quick - witted youth , though comely to look at and , I should think , +sound at heart " + +" I cannot admire his taste " I remarked , " if it is indeed a fact +that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as +this Miss Turner " + +" Ah , thereby hangs a rather painful tale . This fellow is madly , +insanely , in love with her , but some two years ago , when he was +only a lad , and before he really knew her , for she had been away +five years at a boarding - school , what does the idiot do but get +into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a +registry office ? No one knows a word of the matter , but you can +imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not +doing what he would give his very eyes to do , but what he knows +to be absolutely impossible . It was sheer frenzy of this sort +which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father , +at their last interview , was goading him on to propose to Miss +Turner . On the other hand , he had no means of supporting himself , +and his father , who was by all accounts a very hard man , would +have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth . It was with +his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in +Bristol , and his father did not know where he was . Mark that +point . It is of importance . Good has come out of evil , however , +for the barmaid , finding from the papers that he is in serious +trouble and likely to be hanged , has thrown him over utterly and +has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the +Bermuda Dockyard , so that there is really no tie between them . I +think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all +that he has suffered " + +" But if he is innocent , who has done it " + +" Ah ! who ? I would call your attention very particularly to two +points . One is that the murdered man had an appointment with +someone at the pool , and that the someone could not have been his +son , for his son was away , and he did not know when he would +return . The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry +' Cooee ' before he knew that his son had returned . Those are the +crucial points upon which the case depends . And now let us talk +about George Meredith , if you please , and we shall leave all +minor matters until to - morrow " + +There was no rain , as Holmes had foretold , and the morning broke +bright and cloudless . At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with +the carriage , and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe +Pool . + +" There is serious news this morning " Lestrade observed . " It is +said that Mr . Turner , of the Hall , is so ill that his life is +despaired of " + +" An elderly man , I presume " said Holmes . + +" About sixty ; but his constitution has been shattered by his life +abroad , and he has been in failing health for some time . This +business has had a very bad effect upon him . He was an old friend +of McCarthy's , and , I may add , a great benefactor to him , for I +have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free " + +" Indeed ! That is interesting " said Holmes . + +" Oh , yes ! In a hundred other ways he has helped him . Everybody +about here speaks of his kindness to him " + +" Really ! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this +McCarthy , who appears to have had little of his own , and to have +been under such obligations to Turner , should still talk of +marrying his son to Turner's daughter , who is , presumably , +heiress to the estate , and that in such a very cocksure manner , +as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would +follow ? It is the more strange , since we know that Turner himself +was averse to the idea . The daughter told us as much . Do you not +deduce something from that " + +" We have got to the deductions and the inferences " said +Lestrade , winking at me . " I find it hard enough to tackle facts , +Holmes , without flying away after theories and fancies " + +" You are right " said Holmes demurely ; " you do find it very hard +to tackle the facts " + +" Anyhow , I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it +difficult to get hold of " replied Lestrade with some warmth . + +" And that is -" + +" That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that +all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine " + +" Well , moonshine is a brighter thing than fog " said Holmes , +laughing . " But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley +Farm upon the left " + +" Yes , that is it " It was a widespread , comfortable - looking +building , two - storied , slate - roofed , with great yellow blotches +of lichen upon the grey walls . The drawn blinds and the smokeless +chimneys , however , gave it a stricken look , as though the weight +of this horror still lay heavy upon it . We called at the door , +when the maid , at Holmes ' request , showed us the boots which her +master wore at the time of his death , and also a pair of the +son's , though not the pair which he had then had . Having measured +these very carefully from seven or eight different points , Holmes +desired to be led to the court - yard , from which we all followed +the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool . + +Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent +as this . Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of +Baker Street would have failed to recognise him . His face flushed +and darkened . His brows were drawn into two hard black lines , +while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter . +His face was bent downward , his shoulders bowed , his lips +compressed , and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long , +sinewy neck . His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal +lust for the chase , and his mind was so absolutely concentrated +upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell +unheeded upon his ears , or , at the most , only provoked a quick , +impatient snarl in reply . Swiftly and silently he made his way +along the track which ran through the meadows , and so by way of +the woods to the Boscombe Pool . It was damp , marshy ground , as is +all that district , and there were marks of many feet , both upon +the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either +side . Sometimes Holmes would hurry on , sometimes stop dead , and +once he made quite a little detour into the meadow . Lestrade and +I walked behind him , the detective indifferent and contemptuous , +while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the +conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a +definite end . + +The Boscombe Pool , which is a little reed - girt sheet of water +some fifty yards across , is situated at the boundary between the +Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr . Turner . +Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see +the red , jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich +landowner's dwelling . On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods +grew very thick , and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass +twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds +which lined the lake . Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which +the body had been found , and , indeed , so moist was the ground , +that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the +fall of the stricken man . To Holmes , as I could see by his eager +face and peering eyes , very many other things were to be read +upon the trampled grass . He ran round , like a dog who is picking +up a scent , and then turned upon my companion . + +" What did you go into the pool for " he asked . + +" I fished about with a rake . I thought there might be some weapon +or other trace . But how on earth -" + +" Oh , tut , tut ! I have no time ! That left foot of yours with its +inward twist is all over the place . A mole could trace it , and +there it vanishes among the reeds . Oh , how simple it would all +have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo +and wallowed all over it . Here is where the party with the +lodge - keeper came , and they have covered all tracks for six or +eight feet round the body . But here are three separate tracks of +the same feet " He drew out a lens and lay down upon his +waterproof to have a better view , talking all the time rather to +himself than to us . " These are young McCarthy's feet . Twice he +was walking , and once he ran swiftly , so that the soles are +deeply marked and the heels hardly visible . That bears out his +story . He ran when he saw his father on the ground . Then here are +the father's feet as he paced up and down . What is this , then ? It +is the butt - end of the gun as the son stood listening . And this ? +Ha , ha ! What have we here ? Tiptoes ! tiptoes ! Square , too , quite +unusual boots ! They come , they go , they come again - of course +that was for the cloak . Now where did they come from " He ran up +and down , sometimes losing , sometimes finding the track until we +were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a +great beech , the largest tree in the neighbourhood . Holmes traced +his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon +his face with a little cry of satisfaction . For a long time he +remained there , turning over the leaves and dried sticks , +gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and +examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of +the tree as far as he could reach . A jagged stone was lying among +the moss , and this also he carefully examined and retained . Then +he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the +highroad , where all traces were lost . + +" It has been a case of considerable interest " he remarked , +returning to his natural manner . " I fancy that this grey house on +the right must be the lodge . I think that I will go in and have a +word with Moran , and perhaps write a little note . Having done +that , we may drive back to our luncheon . You may walk to the cab , +and I shall be with you presently " + +It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove +back into Ross , Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he +had picked up in the wood . + +" This may interest you , Lestrade " he remarked , holding it out . +" The murder was done with it " + +" I see no marks " + +" There are none " + +" How do you know , then " + +" The grass was growing under it . It had only lain there a few +days . There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken . It +corresponds with the injuries . There is no sign of any other +weapon " + +" And the murderer " + +" Is a tall man , left - handed , limps with the right leg , wears +thick - soled shooting - boots and a grey cloak , smokes Indian +cigars , uses a cigar - holder , and carries a blunt pen - knife in his +pocket . There are several other indications , but these may be +enough to aid us in our search " + +Lestrade laughed . " I am afraid that I am still a sceptic " he +said . " Theories are all very well , but we have to deal with a +hard - headed British jury " + +" Nous verrons " answered Holmes calmly . " You work your own +method , and I shall work mine . I shall be busy this afternoon , +and shall probably return to London by the evening train " + +" And leave your case unfinished " + +" No , finished " + +" But the mystery " + +" It is solved " + +" Who was the criminal , then " + +" The gentleman I describe " + +" But who is he " + +" Surely it would not be difficult to find out . This is not such a +populous neighbourhood " + +Lestrade shrugged his shoulders . " I am a practical man " he said , +" and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking +for a left - handed gentleman with a game leg . I should become the +laughing - stock of Scotland Yard " + +" All right " said Holmes quietly . " I have given you the chance . +Here are your lodgings . Good - bye . I shall drop you a line before +I leave " + +Having left Lestrade at his rooms , we drove to our hotel , where +we found lunch upon the table . Holmes was silent and buried in +thought with a pained expression upon his face , as one who finds +himself in a perplexing position . + +" Look here , Watson " he said when the cloth was cleared " just sit +down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little . I don ' t +know quite what to do , and I should value your advice . Light a +cigar and let me expound " + + " Pray do so " + +" Well , now , in considering this case there are two points about +young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly , +although they impressed me in his favour and you against him . One +was the fact that his father should , according to his account , +cry ' Cooee ' before seeing him . The other was his singular dying +reference to a rat . He mumbled several words , you understand , but +that was all that caught the son's ear . Now from this double +point our research must commence , and we will begin it by +presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true " + +" What of this ' Cooee ' then " + +" Well , obviously it could not have been meant for the son . The +son , as far as he knew , was in Bristol . It was mere chance that +he was within earshot . The ' Cooee ' was meant to attract the +attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with . But +' Cooee ' is a distinctly Australian cry , and one which is used +between Australians . There is a strong presumption that the +person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was +someone who had been in Australia " + +" What of the rat , then " + +Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened +it out on the table . " This is a map of the Colony of Victoria " +he said . " I wired to Bristol for it last night " He put his hand +over part of the map . " What do you read " + +" ARAT " I read . + +" And now " He raised his hand . + +" BALLARAT " + +" Quite so . That was the word the man uttered , and of which his +son only caught the last two syllables . He was trying to utter +the name of his murderer . So and so , of Ballarat " + +" It is wonderful " I exclaimed . + +" It is obvious . And now , you see , I had narrowed the field down +considerably . The possession of a grey garment was a third point +which , granting the son's statement to be correct , was a +certainty . We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite +conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak " + +" Certainly " + +" And one who was at home in the district , for the pool can only +be approached by the farm or by the estate , where strangers could +hardly wander " + +" Quite so " + +" Then comes our expedition of to - day . By an examination of the +ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that +imbecile Lestrade , as to the personality of the criminal " + +" But how did you gain them " + +" You know my method . It is founded upon the observation of +trifles " + +" His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length +of his stride . His boots , too , might be told from their traces " + +" Yes , they were peculiar boots " + +" But his lameness " + +" The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than +his left . He put less weight upon it . Why ? Because he limped - he +was lame " + +" But his left - handedness " + +" You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded +by the surgeon at the inquest . The blow was struck from +immediately behind , and yet was upon the left side . Now , how can +that be unless it were by a left - handed man ? He had stood behind +that tree during the interview between the father and son . He had +even smoked there . I found the ash of a cigar , which my special +knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian +cigar . I have , as you know , devoted some attention to this , and +written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different +varieties of pipe , cigar , and cigarette tobacco . Having found the +ash , I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss +where he had tossed it . It was an Indian cigar , of the variety +which are rolled in Rotterdam " + +" And the cigar - holder " + +" I could see that the end had not been in his mouth . Therefore he +used a holder . The tip had been cut off , not bitten off , but the +cut was not a clean one , so I deduced a blunt pen - knife " + +" Holmes " I said , " you have drawn a net round this man from which +he cannot escape , and you have saved an innocent human life as +truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him . I see the +direction in which all this points . The culprit is -" + +" Mr . John Turner " cried the hotel waiter , opening the door of +our sitting - room , and ushering in a visitor . + +The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure . His +slow , limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of +decrepitude , and yet his hard , deep - lined , craggy features , and +his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual +strength of body and of character . His tangled beard , grizzled +hair , and outstanding , drooping eyebrows combined to give an air +of dignity and power to his appearance , but his face was of an +ashen white , while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were +tinged with a shade of blue . It was clear to me at a glance that +he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease . + +" Pray sit down on the sofa " said Holmes gently . " You had my +note " + +" Yes , the lodge - keeper brought it up . You said that you wished to +see me here to avoid scandal " + +" I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall " + +" And why did you wish to see me " He looked across at my +companion with despair in his weary eyes , as though his question +was already answered . + +" Yes " said Holmes , answering the look rather than the words . " It +is so . I know all about McCarthy " + +The old man sank his face in his hands . " God help me " he cried . +" But I would not have let the young man come to harm . I give you +my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at +the Assizes " + +" I am glad to hear you say so " said Holmes gravely . + +" I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl . It +would break her heart - it will break her heart when she hears +that I am arrested " + +" It may not come to that " said Holmes . + +" What " + +" I am no official agent . I understand that it was your daughter +who required my presence here , and I am acting in her interests . +Young McCarthy must be got off , however " + +" I am a dying man " said old Turner . " I have had diabetes for +years . My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a +month . Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol " + +Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand +and a bundle of paper before him . " Just tell us the truth " he +said . " I shall jot down the facts . You will sign it , and Watson +here can witness it . Then I could produce your confession at the +last extremity to save young McCarthy . I promise you that I shall +not use it unless it is absolutely needed " + +" It's as well " said the old man ; " it's a question whether I +shall live to the Assizes , so it matters little to me , but I +should wish to spare Alice the shock . And now I will make the +thing clear to you ; it has been a long time in the acting , but +will not take me long to tell . + +" You didn't know this dead man , McCarthy . He was a devil +incarnate . I tell you that . God keep you out of the clutches of +such a man as he . His grip has been upon me these twenty years , +and he has blasted my life . I ' ll tell you first how I came to be +in his power . + +" It was in the early ' 60's at the diggings . I was a young chap +then , hot - blooded and reckless , ready to turn my hand at +anything ; I got among bad companions , took to drink , had no luck +with my claim , took to the bush , and in a word became what you +would call over here a highway robber . There were six of us , and +we had a wild , free life of it , sticking up a station from time +to time , or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings . +Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under , and our party +is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang . + +" One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne , and +we lay in wait for it and attacked it . There were six troopers +and six of us , so it was a close thing , but we emptied four of +their saddles at the first volley . Three of our boys were killed , +however , before we got the swag . I put my pistol to the head of +the wagon - driver , who was this very man McCarthy . I wish to the +Lord that I had shot him then , but I spared him , though I saw his +wicked little eyes fixed on my face , as though to remember every +feature . We got away with the gold , became wealthy men , and made +our way over to England without being suspected . There I parted +from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and +respectable life . I bought this estate , which chanced to be in +the market , and I set myself to do a little good with my money , +to make up for the way in which I had earned it . I married , too , +and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice . +Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down +the right path as nothing else had ever done . In a word , I turned +over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past . All was +going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me . + +" I had gone up to town about an investment , and I met him in +Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his +foot . + + ' Here we are , Jack ' says he , touching me on the arm ; ' we ' ll be +as good as a family to you . There's two of us , me and my son , and +you can have the keeping of us . If you don't - it's a fine , +law - abiding country is England , and there's always a policeman +within hail ' + +" Well , down they came to the west country , there was no shaking +them off , and there they have lived rent free on my best land +ever since . There was no rest for me , no peace , no forgetfulness ; +turn where I would , there was his cunning , grinning face at my +elbow . It grew worse as Alice grew up , for he soon saw I was more +afraid of her knowing my past than of the police . Whatever he +wanted he must have , and whatever it was I gave him without +question , land , money , houses , until at last he asked a thing +which I could not give . He asked for Alice . + +" His son , you see , had grown up , and so had my girl , and as I was +known to be in weak health , it seemed a fine stroke to him that +his lad should step into the whole property . But there I was +firm . I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine ; not that +I had any dislike to the lad , but his blood was in him , and that +was enough . I stood firm . McCarthy threatened . I braved him to do +his worst . We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses +to talk it over . + +" When I went down there I found him talking with his son , so I +smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone . +But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in +me seemed to come uppermost . He was urging his son to marry my +daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she +were a slut from off the streets . It drove me mad to think that I +and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a +man as this . Could I not snap the bond ? I was already a dying and +a desperate man . Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb , +I knew that my own fate was sealed . But my memory and my girl ! +Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue . I +did it , Mr . Holmes . I would do it again . Deeply as I have sinned , +I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it . But that my girl +should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more +than I could suffer . I struck him down with no more compunction +than if he had been some foul and venomous beast . His cry brought +back his son ; but I had gained the cover of the wood , though I +was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in +my flight . That is the true story , gentlemen , of all that +occurred " + +" Well , it is not for me to judge you " said Holmes as the old man +signed the statement which had been drawn out . " I pray that we +may never be exposed to such a temptation " + +" I pray not , sir . And what do you intend to do " + +" In view of your health , nothing . You are yourself aware that you +will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the +Assizes . I will keep your confession , and if McCarthy is +condemned I shall be forced to use it . If not , it shall never be +seen by mortal eye ; and your secret , whether you be alive or +dead , shall be safe with us " + +" Farewell , then " said the old man solemnly . " Your own deathbeds , +when they come , will be the easier for the thought of the peace +which you have given to mine " Tottering and shaking in all his +giant frame , he stumbled slowly from the room . + +" God help us " said Holmes after a long silence . " Why does fate +play such tricks with poor , helpless worms ? I never hear of such +a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words , and say , +' There , but for the grace of God , goes Sherlock Holmes '" + +James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a +number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and +submitted to the defending counsel . Old Turner lived for seven +months after our interview , but he is now dead ; and there is +every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily +together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their +past . + + + +ADVENTURE V . THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS + +When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes +cases between the years ' 82 and ' 90 , I am faced by so many which +present strange and interesting features that it is no easy +matter to know which to choose and which to leave . Some , however , +have already gained publicity through the papers , and others have +not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend +possessed in so high a degree , and which it is the object of +these papers to illustrate . Some , too , have baffled his +analytical skill , and would be , as narratives , beginnings without +an ending , while others have been but partially cleared up , and +have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and +surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to +him . There is , however , one of these last which was so remarkable +in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted +to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are +points in connection with it which never have been , and probably +never will be , entirely cleared up . + +The year ' 87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater +or less interest , of which I retain the records . Among my +headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the +adventure of the Paradol Chamber , of the Amateur Mendicant +Society , who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a +furniture warehouse , of the facts connected with the loss of the +British barque " Sophy Anderson , of the singular adventures of the +Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa , and finally of the +Camberwell poisoning case . In the latter , as may be remembered , +Sherlock Holmes was able , by winding up the dead man's watch , to +prove that it had been wound up two hours before , and that +therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time - a +deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the +case . All these I may sketch out at some future date , but none of +them present such singular features as the strange train of +circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe . + +It was in the latter days of September , and the equinoctial gales +had set in with exceptional violence . All day the wind had +screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows , so that +even here in the heart of great , hand - made London we were forced +to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and +to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which +shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation , like +untamed beasts in a cage . As evening drew in , the storm grew +higher and louder , and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in +the chimney . Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the +fireplace cross - indexing his records of crime , while I at the +other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea - stories until +the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text , +and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of +the sea waves . My wife was on a visit to her mother's , and for a +few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker +Street . + +" Why " said I , glancing up at my companion , " that was surely the +bell . Who could come to - night ? Some friend of yours , perhaps " + +" Except yourself I have none " he answered . " I do not encourage +visitors " + +" A client , then " + +" If so , it is a serious case . Nothing less would bring a man out +on such a day and at such an hour . But I take it that it is more +likely to be some crony of the landlady's " + +Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture , however , for there +came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door . He +stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and +towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit . + +" Come in " said he . + +The man who entered was young , some two - and - twenty at the +outside , well - groomed and trimly clad , with something of +refinement and delicacy in his bearing . The streaming umbrella +which he held in his hand , and his long shining waterproof told +of the fierce weather through which he had come . He looked about +him anxiously in the glare of the lamp , and I could see that his +face was pale and his eyes heavy , like those of a man who is +weighed down with some great anxiety . + +" I owe you an apology " he said , raising his golden pince - nez to +his eyes . " I trust that I am not intruding . I fear that I have +brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug +chamber " + +" Give me your coat and umbrella " said Holmes . " They may rest +here on the hook and will be dry presently . You have come up from +the south - west , I see " + +" Yes , from Horsham " + +" That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is +quite distinctive " + +" I have come for advice " + +" That is easily got " + +" And help " + +" That is not always so easy " + +" I have heard of you , Mr . Holmes . I heard from Major Prendergast +how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal " + +" Ah , of course . He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards " + +" He said that you could solve anything " + +" He said too much " + +" That you are never beaten " + +" I have been beaten four times - three times by men , and once by a +woman " + +" But what is that compared with the number of your successes " + +" It is true that I have been generally successful " + +" Then you may be so with me " + +" I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me +with some details as to your case " + +" It is no ordinary one " + +" None of those which come to me are . I am the last court of +appeal " + +" And yet I question , sir , whether , in all your experience , you +have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of +events than those which have happened in my own family " + +" You fill me with interest " said Holmes . " Pray give us the +essential facts from the commencement , and I can afterwards +question you as to those details which seem to me to be most +important " + +The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out +towards the blaze . + +" My name " said he , " is John Openshaw , but my own affairs have , +as far as I can understand , little to do with this awful +business . It is a hereditary matter ; so in order to give you an +idea of the facts , I must go back to the commencement of the +affair . + +" You must know that my grandfather had two sons - my uncle Elias +and my father Joseph . My father had a small factory at Coventry , +which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling . He +was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire , and his business +met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire +upon a handsome competence . + +" My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and +became a planter in Florida , where he was reported to have done +very well . At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army , +and afterwards under Hood , where he rose to be a colonel . When +Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation , where +he remained for three or four years . About 1869 or 1870 he came +back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex , near Horsham . +He had made a very considerable fortune in the States , and his +reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes , and his +dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to +them . He was a singular man , fierce and quick - tempered , very +foul - mouthed when he was angry , and of a most retiring +disposition . During all the years that he lived at Horsham , I +doubt if ever he set foot in the town . He had a garden and two or +three fields round his house , and there he would take his +exercise , though very often for weeks on end he would never leave +his room . He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very +heavily , but he would see no society and did not want any +friends , not even his own brother . + +" He didn't mind me ; in fact , he took a fancy to me , for at the +time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so . This +would be in the year 1878 , after he had been eight or nine years +in England . He begged my father to let me live with him and he +was very kind to me in his way . When he was sober he used to be +fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me , and he would +make me his representative both with the servants and with the +tradespeople , so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite +master of the house . I kept all the keys and could go where I +liked and do what I liked , so long as I did not disturb him in +his privacy . There was one singular exception , however , for he +had a single room , a lumber - room up among the attics , which was +invariably locked , and which he would never permit either me or +anyone else to enter . With a boy's curiosity I have peeped +through the keyhole , but I was never able to see more than such a +collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such +a room . + +" One day - it was in March , 1883 - a letter with a foreign stamp +lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate . It was not a +common thing for him to receive letters , for his bills were all +paid in ready money , and he had no friends of any sort . ' From +India ' said he as he took it up , ' Pondicherry postmark ! What can +this be ' Opening it hurriedly , out there jumped five little +dried orange pips , which pattered down upon his plate . I began to +laugh at this , but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight +of his face . His lip had fallen , his eyes were protruding , his +skin the colour of putty , and he glared at the envelope which he +still held in his trembling hand , ' K . K . K ! ' he shrieked , and +then , ' My God , my God , my sins have overtaken me ' + + ' What is it , uncle ' I cried . + + ' Death ' said he , and rising from the table he retired to his +room , leaving me palpitating with horror . I took up the envelope +and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap , just above the +gum , the letter K three times repeated . There was nothing else +save the five dried pips . What could be the reason of his +overpowering terror ? I left the breakfast - table , and as I +ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key , +which must have belonged to the attic , in one hand , and a small +brass box , like a cashbox , in the other . + + ' They may do what they like , but I ' ll checkmate them still ' +said he with an oath . ' Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my +room to - day , and send down to Fordham , the Horsham lawyer ' + +" I did as he ordered , and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to +step up to the room . The fire was burning brightly , and in the +grate there was a mass of black , fluffy ashes , as of burned +paper , while the brass box stood open and empty beside it . As I +glanced at the box I noticed , with a start , that upon the lid was +printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the +envelope . + + ' I wish you , John ' said my uncle , ' to witness my will . I leave +my estate , with all its advantages and all its disadvantages , to +my brother , your father , whence it will , no doubt , descend to +you . If you can enjoy it in peace , well and good ! If you find you +cannot , take my advice , my boy , and leave it to your deadliest +enemy . I am sorry to give you such a two - edged thing , but I can ' t +say what turn things are going to take . Kindly sign the paper +where Mr . Fordham shows you ' + +" I signed the paper as directed , and the lawyer took it away with +him . The singular incident made , as you may think , the deepest +impression upon me , and I pondered over it and turned it every +way in my mind without being able to make anything of it . Yet I +could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left +behind , though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed +and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives . I +could see a change in my uncle , however . He drank more than ever , +and he was less inclined for any sort of society . Most of his +time he would spend in his room , with the door locked upon the +inside , but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy +and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a +revolver in his hand , screaming out that he was afraid of no man , +and that he was not to be cooped up , like a sheep in a pen , by +man or devil . When these hot fits were over , however , he would +rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him , +like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror +which lies at the roots of his soul . At such times I have seen +his face , even on a cold day , glisten with moisture , as though it +were new raised from a basin . + +" Well , to come to an end of the matter , Mr . Holmes , and not to +abuse your patience , there came a night when he made one of those +drunken sallies from which he never came back . We found him , when +we went to search for him , face downward in a little +green - scummed pool , which lay at the foot of the garden . There +was no sign of any violence , and the water was but two feet deep , +so that the jury , having regard to his known eccentricity , +brought in a verdict of ' suicide ' But I , who knew how he winced +from the very thought of death , had much ado to persuade myself +that he had gone out of his way to meet it . The matter passed , +however , and my father entered into possession of the estate , and +of some 14 , 000 pounds , which lay to his credit at the bank " + +" One moment " Holmes interposed , " your statement is , I foresee , +one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened . Let me +have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter , and +the date of his supposed suicide " + +" The letter arrived on March 10 , 1883 . His death was seven weeks +later , upon the night of May 2nd " + +" Thank you . Pray proceed " + +" When my father took over the Horsham property , he , at my +request , made a careful examination of the attic , which had been +always locked up . We found the brass box there , although its +contents had been destroyed . On the inside of the cover was a +paper label , with the initials of K . K . K . repeated upon it , and +' Letters , memoranda , receipts , and a register ' written beneath . +These , we presume , indicated the nature of the papers which had +been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw . For the rest , there was +nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many +scattered papers and note - books bearing upon my uncle's life in +America . Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had +done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier . +Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern +states , and were mostly concerned with politics , for he had +evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet - bag +politicians who had been sent down from the North . + +" Well , it was the beginning of ' 84 when my father came to live at +Horsham , and all went as well as possible with us until the +January of ' 85 . On the fourth day after the new year I heard my +father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the +breakfast - table . There he was , sitting with a newly opened +envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the +outstretched palm of the other one . He had always laughed at what +he called my cock - and - bull story about the colonel , but he looked +very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon +himself . + + ' Why , what on earth does this mean , John ' he stammered . + +" My heart had turned to lead . ' It is K . K . K , ' said I . + +" He looked inside the envelope . ' So it is ' he cried . ' Here are +the very letters . But what is this written above them ' + + ' Put the papers on the sundial ' I read , peeping over his +shoulder . + + ' What papers ? What sundial ' he asked . + + ' The sundial in the garden . There is no other ' said I ; ' but the +papers must be those that are destroyed ' + + ' Pooh ' said he , gripping hard at his courage . ' We are in a +civilised land here , and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind . +Where does the thing come from ' + + ' From Dundee ' I answered , glancing at the postmark . + + ' Some preposterous practical joke ' said he . ' What have I to do +with sundials and papers ? I shall take no notice of such +nonsense ' + + ' I should certainly speak to the police ' I said . + + ' And be laughed at for my pains . Nothing of the sort ' + + ' Then let me do so ' + + ' No , I forbid you . I won't have a fuss made about such +nonsense ' + +" It was in vain to argue with him , for he was a very obstinate +man . I went about , however , with a heart which was full of +forebodings . + +" On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went +from home to visit an old friend of his , Major Freebody , who is +in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill . I was glad +that he should go , for it seemed to me that he was farther from +danger when he was away from home . In that , however , I was in +error . Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram +from the major , imploring me to come at once . My father had +fallen over one of the deep chalk - pits which abound in the +neighbourhood , and was lying senseless , with a shattered skull . I +hurried to him , but he passed away without having ever recovered +his consciousness . He had , as it appears , been returning from +Fareham in the twilight , and as the country was unknown to him , +and the chalk - pit unfenced , the jury had no hesitation in +bringing in a verdict of ' death from accidental causes ' +Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death , I +was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of +murder . There were no signs of violence , no footmarks , no +robbery , no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads . +And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease , +and that I was well - nigh certain that some foul plot had been +woven round him . + +" In this sinister way I came into my inheritance . You will ask me +why I did not dispose of it ? I answer , because I was well +convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an +incident in my uncle's life , and that the danger would be as +pressing in one house as in another . + +" It was in January , ' 85 , that my poor father met his end , and two +years and eight months have elapsed since then . During that time +I have lived happily at Horsham , and I had begun to hope that +this curse had passed away from the family , and that it had ended +with the last generation . I had begun to take comfort too soon , +however ; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in +which it had come upon my father " + +The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope , and +turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried +orange pips . + +" This is the envelope " he continued . " The postmark is +London - eastern division . Within are the very words which were +upon my father's last message : ' K . K . K '; and then ' Put the +papers on the sundial '" + +" What have you done " asked Holmes . + +" Nothing " + +" Nothing " + +" To tell the truth -- he sank his face into his thin , white +hands -" I have felt helpless . I have felt like one of those poor +rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it . I seem to be in +the grasp of some resistless , inexorable evil , which no foresight +and no precautions can guard against " + +" Tut ! tut " cried Sherlock Holmes . " You must act , man , or you are +lost . Nothing but energy can save you . This is no time for +despair " + +" I have seen the police " + +" Ah " + +" But they listened to my story with a smile . I am convinced that +the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all +practical jokes , and that the deaths of my relations were really +accidents , as the jury stated , and were not to be connected with +the warnings " + +Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air . " Incredible +imbecility " he cried . + +" They have , however , allowed me a policeman , who may remain in +the house with me " + +" Has he come with you to - night " + +" No . His orders were to stay in the house " + +Again Holmes raved in the air . + +" Why did you come to me " he cried , " and , above all , why did you +not come at once " + +" I did not know . It was only to - day that I spoke to Major +Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to +you " + +" It is really two days since you had the letter . We should have +acted before this . You have no further evidence , I suppose , than +that which you have placed before us - no suggestive detail which +might help us " + +" There is one thing " said John Openshaw . He rummaged in his coat +pocket , and , drawing out a piece of discoloured , blue - tinted +paper , he laid it out upon the table . " I have some remembrance " +said he , " that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I +observed that the small , unburned margins which lay amid the +ashes were of this particular colour . I found this single sheet +upon the floor of his room , and I am inclined to think that it +may be one of the papers which has , perhaps , fluttered out from +among the others , and in that way has escaped destruction . Beyond +the mention of pips , I do not see that it helps us much . I think +myself that it is a page from some private diary . The writing is +undoubtedly my uncle's " + +Holmes moved the lamp , and we both bent over the sheet of paper , +which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from +a book . It was headed , " March , 1869 " and beneath were the +following enigmatical notices : + +" 4th . Hudson came . Same old platform . + +" 7th . Set the pips on McCauley , Paramore , and + John Swain , of St . Augustine . + +" 9th . McCauley cleared . + +" 10th . John Swain cleared . + +" 12th . Visited Paramore . All well " + +" Thank you " said Holmes , folding up the paper and returning it +to our visitor . " And now you must on no account lose another +instant . We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told +me . You must get home instantly and act " + +" What shall I do " + +" There is but one thing to do . It must be done at once . You must +put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass +box which you have described . You must also put in a note to say +that all the other papers were burned by your uncle , and that +this is the only one which remains . You must assert that in such +words as will carry conviction with them . Having done this , you +must at once put the box out upon the sundial , as directed . Do +you understand " + +" Entirely " + +" Do not think of revenge , or anything of the sort , at present . I +think that we may gain that by means of the law ; but we have our +web to weave , while theirs is already woven . The first +consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens +you . The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the +guilty parties " + +" I thank you " said the young man , rising and pulling on his +overcoat . " You have given me fresh life and hope . I shall +certainly do as you advise " + +" Do not lose an instant . And , above all , take care of yourself in +the meanwhile , for I do not think that there can be a doubt that +you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger . How do you +go back " + +" By train from Waterloo " + +" It is not yet nine . The streets will be crowded , so I trust that +you may be in safety . And yet you cannot guard yourself too +closely " + +" I am armed " + +" That is well . To - morrow I shall set to work upon your case " + +" I shall see you at Horsham , then " + +" No , your secret lies in London . It is there that I shall seek +it " + +" Then I shall call upon you in a day , or in two days , with news +as to the box and the papers . I shall take your advice in every +particular " He shook hands with us and took his leave . Outside +the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered +against the windows . This strange , wild story seemed to have come +to us from amid the mad elements - blown in upon us like a sheet +of sea - weed in a gale - and now to have been reabsorbed by them +once more . + +Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence , with his head sunk +forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire . Then he +lit his pipe , and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue +smoke - rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling . + +" I think , Watson " he remarked at last , " that of all our cases we +have had none more fantastic than this " + +" Save , perhaps , the Sign of Four " + +" Well , yes . Save , perhaps , that . And yet this John Openshaw seems +to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the +Sholtos " + +" But have you " I asked , " formed any definite conception as to +what these perils are " + +" There can be no question as to their nature " he answered . + +" Then what are they ? Who is this K . K . K , and why does he pursue +this unhappy family " + +Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the +arms of his chair , with his finger - tips together . " The ideal +reasoner " he remarked , " would , when he had once been shown a +single fact in all its bearings , deduce from it not only all the +chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which +would follow from it . As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole +animal by the contemplation of a single bone , so the observer who +has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents +should be able to accurately state all the other ones , both +before and after . We have not yet grasped the results which the +reason alone can attain to . Problems may be solved in the study +which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the +aid of their senses . To carry the art , however , to its highest +pitch , it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to +utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge ; and this +in itself implies , as you will readily see , a possession of all +knowledge , which , even in these days of free education and +encyclopaedias , is a somewhat rare accomplishment . It is not so +impossible , however , that a man should possess all knowledge +which is likely to be useful to him in his work , and this I have +endeavoured in my case to do . If I remember rightly , you on one +occasion , in the early days of our friendship , defined my limits +in a very precise fashion " + +" Yes " I answered , laughing . " It was a singular document . +Philosophy , astronomy , and politics were marked at zero , I +remember . Botany variable , geology profound as regards the +mud - stains from any region within fifty miles of town , chemistry +eccentric , anatomy unsystematic , sensational literature and crime +records unique , violin - player , boxer , swordsman , lawyer , and +self - poisoner by cocaine and tobacco . Those , I think , were the +main points of my analysis " + +Holmes grinned at the last item . " Well " he said , " I say now , as +I said then , that a man should keep his little brain - attic +stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use , and the +rest he can put away in the lumber - room of his library , where he +can get it if he wants it . Now , for such a case as the one which +has been submitted to us to - night , we need certainly to muster +all our resources . Kindly hand me down the letter K of the +' American Encyclopaedia ' which stands upon the shelf beside you . +Thank you . Now let us consider the situation and see what may be +deduced from it . In the first place , we may start with a strong +presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for +leaving America . Men at his time of life do not change all their +habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for +the lonely life of an English provincial town . His extreme love +of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of +someone or something , so we may assume as a working hypothesis +that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from +America . As to what it was he feared , we can only deduce that by +considering the formidable letters which were received by himself +and his successors . Did you remark the postmarks of those +letters " + +" The first was from Pondicherry , the second from Dundee , and the +third from London " + +" From East London . What do you deduce from that " + +" They are all seaports . That the writer was on board of a ship " + +" Excellent . We have already a clue . There can be no doubt that +the probability - the strong probability - is that the writer was +on board of a ship . And now let us consider another point . In the +case of Pondicherry , seven weeks elapsed between the threat and +its fulfilment , in Dundee it was only some three or four days . +Does that suggest anything " + +" A greater distance to travel " + +" But the letter had also a greater distance to come " + +" Then I do not see the point " + +" There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man +or men are is a sailing - ship . It looks as if they always send +their singular warning or token before them when starting upon +their mission . You see how quickly the deed followed the sign +when it came from Dundee . If they had come from Pondicherry in a +steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter . +But , as a matter of fact , seven weeks elapsed . I think that those +seven weeks represented the difference between the mail - boat which +brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the +writer " + +" It is possible " + +" More than that . It is probable . And now you see the deadly +urgency of this new case , and why I urged young Openshaw to +caution . The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which +it would take the senders to travel the distance . But this one +comes from London , and therefore we cannot count upon delay " + +" Good God " I cried . " What can it mean , this relentless +persecution " + +" The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital +importance to the person or persons in the sailing - ship . I think +that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them . +A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way +as to deceive a coroner's jury . There must have been several in +it , and they must have been men of resource and determination . +Their papers they mean to have , be the holder of them who it may . +In this way you see K . K . K . ceases to be the initials of an +individual and becomes the badge of a society " + +" But of what society " + +" Have you never -" said Sherlock Holmes , bending forward and +sinking his voice -" have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan " + +" I never have " + +Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee . " Here it +is " said he presently : + + ' Ku Klux Klan . A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to +the sound produced by cocking a rifle . This terrible secret +society was formed by some ex - Confederate soldiers in the +Southern states after the Civil War , and it rapidly formed local +branches in different parts of the country , notably in Tennessee , +Louisiana , the Carolinas , Georgia , and Florida . Its power was +used for political purposes , principally for the terrorising of +the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country +of those who were opposed to its views . Its outrages were usually +preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic +but generally recognised shape - a sprig of oak - leaves in some +parts , melon seeds or orange pips in others . On receiving this +the victim might either openly abjure his former ways , or might +fly from the country . If he braved the matter out , death would +unfailingly come upon him , and usually in some strange and +unforeseen manner . So perfect was the organisation of the +society , and so systematic its methods , that there is hardly a +case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with +impunity , or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the +perpetrators . For some years the organisation flourished in spite +of the efforts of the United States government and of the better +classes of the community in the South . Eventually , in the year +1869 , the movement rather suddenly collapsed , although there have +been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date ' + +" You will observe " said Holmes , laying down the volume , " that +the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the +disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers . It may +well have been cause and effect . It is no wonder that he and his +family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track . +You can understand that this register and diary may implicate +some of the first men in the South , and that there may be many +who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered " + +" Then the page we have seen -" + +" Is such as we might expect . It ran , if I remember right , ' sent +the pips to A , B , and C -- that is , sent the society's warning to +them . Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared , or +left the country , and finally that C was visited , with , I fear , a +sinister result for C . Well , I think , Doctor , that we may let +some light into this dark place , and I believe that the only +chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have +told him . There is nothing more to be said or to be done +to - night , so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for +half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable +ways of our fellow - men " + + +It had cleared in the morning , and the sun was shining with a +subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the +great city . Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came +down . + +" You will excuse me for not waiting for you " said he ; " I have , I +foresee , a very busy day before me in looking into this case of +young Openshaw's " + +" What steps will you take " I asked . + +" It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries . +I may have to go down to Horsham , after all " + +" You will not go there first " + +" No , I shall commence with the City . Just ring the bell and the +maid will bring up your coffee " + +As I waited , I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and +glanced my eye over it . It rested upon a heading which sent a +chill to my heart . + +" Holmes " I cried , " you are too late " + +" Ah " said he , laying down his cup , " I feared as much . How was it +done " He spoke calmly , but I could see that he was deeply moved . + +" My eye caught the name of Openshaw , and the heading ' Tragedy +Near Waterloo Bridge ' Here is the account : + +" Between nine and ten last night Police - Constable Cook , of the H +Division , on duty near Waterloo Bridge , heard a cry for help and +a splash in the water . The night , however , was extremely dark and +stormy , so that , in spite of the help of several passers - by , it +was quite impossible to effect a rescue . The alarm , however , was +given , and , by the aid of the water - police , the body was +eventually recovered . It proved to be that of a young gentleman +whose name , as it appears from an envelope which was found in his +pocket , was John Openshaw , and whose residence is near Horsham . +It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch +the last train from Waterloo Station , and that in his haste and +the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge +of one of the small landing - places for river steamboats . The body +exhibited no traces of violence , and there can be no doubt that +the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident , +which should have the effect of calling the attention of the +authorities to the condition of the riverside landing - stages " + +We sat in silence for some minutes , Holmes more depressed and +shaken than I had ever seen him . + +" That hurts my pride , Watson " he said at last . " It is a petty +feeling , no doubt , but it hurts my pride . It becomes a personal +matter with me now , and , if God sends me health , I shall set my +hand upon this gang . That he should come to me for help , and that +I should send him away to his death - " He sprang from his chair +and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation , with a +flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and +unclasping of his long thin hands . + +" They must be cunning devils " he exclaimed at last . " How could +they have decoyed him down there ? The Embankment is not on the +direct line to the station . The bridge , no doubt , was too +crowded , even on such a night , for their purpose . Well , Watson , +we shall see who will win in the long run . I am going out now " + +" To the police " + +" No ; I shall be my own police . When I have spun the web they may +take the flies , but not before " + +All day I was engaged in my professional work , and it was late in +the evening before I returned to Baker Street . Sherlock Holmes +had not come back yet . It was nearly ten o'clock before he +entered , looking pale and worn . He walked up to the sideboard , +and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously , +washing it down with a long draught of water . + +" You are hungry " I remarked . + +" Starving . It had escaped my memory . I have had nothing since +breakfast " + +" Nothing " + +" Not a bite . I had no time to think of it " + +" And how have you succeeded " + +" Well " + +" You have a clue " + +" I have them in the hollow of my hand . Young Openshaw shall not +long remain unavenged . Why , Watson , let us put their own devilish +trade - mark upon them . It is well thought of " + +" What do you mean " + +He took an orange from the cupboard , and tearing it to pieces he +squeezed out the pips upon the table . Of these he took five and +thrust them into an envelope . On the inside of the flap he wrote +" S . H . for J . O " Then he sealed it and addressed it to " Captain +James Calhoun , Barque ' Lone Star ' Savannah , Georgia " + +" That will await him when he enters port " said he , chuckling . +" It may give him a sleepless night . He will find it as sure a +precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him " + +" And who is this Captain Calhoun " + +" The leader of the gang . I shall have the others , but he first " + +" How did you trace it , then " + +He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket , all covered with +dates and names . + +" I have spent the whole day " said he , " over Lloyd's registers +and files of the old papers , following the future career of every +vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in +' 83 . There were thirty - six ships of fair tonnage which were +reported there during those months . Of these , one , the ' Lone Star ' +instantly attracted my attention , since , although it was reported +as having cleared from London , the name is that which is given to +one of the states of the Union " + +" Texas , I think " + +" I was not and am not sure which ; but I knew that the ship must +have an American origin " + +" What then " + +" I searched the Dundee records , and when I found that the barque +' Lone Star ' was there in January , ' 85 , my suspicion became a +certainty . I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present +in the port of London " + +" Yes " + +" The ' Lone Star ' had arrived here last week . I went down to the +Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by +the early tide this morning , homeward bound to Savannah . I wired +to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago , and +as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the +Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight " + +" What will you do , then " + +" Oh , I have my hand upon him . He and the two mates , are as I +learn , the only native - born Americans in the ship . The others are +Finns and Germans . I know , also , that they were all three away +from the ship last night . I had it from the stevedore who has +been loading their cargo . By the time that their sailing - ship +reaches Savannah the mail - boat will have carried this letter , and +the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these +three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder " + +There is ever a flaw , however , in the best laid of human plans , +and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the +orange pips which would show them that another , as cunning and as +resolute as themselves , was upon their track . Very long and very +severe were the equinoctial gales that year . We waited long for +news of the " Lone Star " of Savannah , but none ever reached us . We +did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a +shattered stern - post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough +of a wave , with the letters " L . S " carved upon it , and that is +all which we shall ever know of the fate of the " Lone Star " + + + +ADVENTURE VI . THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP + +Isa Whitney , brother of the late Elias Whitney , D . D , Principal +of the Theological College of St . George's , was much addicted to +opium . The habit grew upon him , as I understand , from some +foolish freak when he was at college ; for having read De +Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations , he had +drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the +same effects . He found , as so many more have done , that the +practice is easier to attain than to get rid of , and for many +years he continued to be a slave to the drug , an object of +mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives . I can see +him now , with yellow , pasty face , drooping lids , and pin - point +pupils , all huddled in a chair , the wreck and ruin of a noble +man . + +One night - it was in June , ' 89 - there came a ring to my bell , +about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the +clock . I sat up in my chair , and my wife laid her needle - work +down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment . + +" A patient " said she . " You ' ll have to go out " + +I groaned , for I was newly come back from a weary day . + +We heard the door open , a few hurried words , and then quick steps +upon the linoleum . Our own door flew open , and a lady , clad in +some dark - coloured stuff , with a black veil , entered the room . + +" You will excuse my calling so late " she began , and then , +suddenly losing her self - control , she ran forward , threw her arms +about my wife's neck , and sobbed upon her shoulder . " Oh , I ' m in +such trouble " she cried ; " I do so want a little help " + +" Why " said my wife , pulling up her veil , " it is Kate Whitney . +How you startled me , Kate ! I had not an idea who you were when +you came in " + +" I didn't know what to do , so I came straight to you " That was +always the way . Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds +to a light - house . + +" It was very sweet of you to come . Now , you must have some wine +and water , and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it . Or +should you rather that I sent James off to bed " + +" Oh , no , no ! I want the doctor's advice and help , too . It's about +Isa . He has not been home for two days . I am so frightened about +him " + +It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her +husband's trouble , to me as a doctor , to my wife as an old friend +and school companion . We soothed and comforted her by such words +as we could find . Did she know where her husband was ? Was it +possible that we could bring him back to her ? + +It seems that it was . She had the surest information that of late +he had , when the fit was on him , made use of an opium den in the +farthest east of the City . Hitherto his orgies had always been +confined to one day , and he had come back , twitching and +shattered , in the evening . But now the spell had been upon him +eight - and - forty hours , and he lay there , doubtless among the +dregs of the docks , breathing in the poison or sleeping off the +effects . There he was to be found , she was sure of it , at the Bar +of Gold , in Upper Swandam Lane . But what was she to do ? How could +she , a young and timid woman , make her way into such a place and +pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him ? + +There was the case , and of course there was but one way out of +it . Might I not escort her to this place ? And then , as a second +thought , why should she come at all ? I was Isa Whitney's medical +adviser , and as such I had influence over him . I could manage it +better if I were alone . I promised her on my word that I would +send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the +address which she had given me . And so in ten minutes I had left +my armchair and cheery sitting - room behind me , and was speeding +eastward in a hansom on a strange errand , as it seemed to me at +the time , though the future only could show how strange it was to +be . + +But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my +adventure . Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the +high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east +of London Bridge . Between a slop - shop and a gin - shop , approached +by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the +mouth of a cave , I found the den of which I was in search . +Ordering my cab to wait , I passed down the steps , worn hollow in +the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet ; and by the +light of a flickering oil - lamp above the door I found the latch +and made my way into a long , low room , thick and heavy with the +brown opium smoke , and terraced with wooden berths , like the +forecastle of an emigrant ship . + +Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying +in strange fantastic poses , bowed shoulders , bent knees , heads +thrown back , and chins pointing upward , with here and there a +dark , lack - lustre eye turned upon the newcomer . Out of the black +shadows there glimmered little red circles of light , now bright , +now faint , as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of +the metal pipes . The most lay silent , but some muttered to +themselves , and others talked together in a strange , low , +monotonous voice , their conversation coming in gushes , and then +suddenly tailing off into silence , each mumbling out his own +thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour . At +the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal , beside +which on a three - legged wooden stool there sat a tall , thin old +man , with his jaw resting upon his two fists , and his elbows upon +his knees , staring into the fire . + +As I entered , a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe +for me and a supply of the drug , beckoning me to an empty berth . + +" Thank you . I have not come to stay " said I . " There is a friend +of mine here , Mr . Isa Whitney , and I wish to speak with him " + +There was a movement and an exclamation from my right , and +peering through the gloom , I saw Whitney , pale , haggard , and +unkempt , staring out at me . + +" My God ! It's Watson " said he . He was in a pitiable state of +reaction , with every nerve in a twitter . " I say , Watson , what +o'clock is it " + +" Nearly eleven " + +" Of what day " + +" Of Friday , June 19th " + +" Good heavens ! I thought it was Wednesday . It is Wednesday . What +d ' you want to frighten a chap for " He sank his face onto his +arms and began to sob in a high treble key . + +" I tell you that it is Friday , man . Your wife has been waiting +this two days for you . You should be ashamed of yourself " + +" So I am . But you ' ve got mixed , Watson , for I have only been here +a few hours , three pipes , four pipes - I forget how many . But I ' ll +go home with you . I wouldn't frighten Kate - poor little Kate . +Give me your hand ! Have you a cab " + +" Yes , I have one waiting " + +" Then I shall go in it . But I must owe something . Find what I +owe , Watson . I am all off colour . I can do nothing for myself " + +I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of +sleepers , holding my breath to keep out the vile , stupefying +fumes of the drug , and looking about for the manager . As I passed +the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my +skirt , and a low voice whispered , " Walk past me , and then look +back at me " The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear . I +glanced down . They could only have come from the old man at my +side , and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever , very thin , very +wrinkled , bent with age , an opium pipe dangling down from between +his knees , as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his +fingers . I took two steps forward and looked back . It took all my +self - control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of +astonishment . He had turned his back so that none could see him +but I . His form had filled out , his wrinkles were gone , the dull +eyes had regained their fire , and there , sitting by the fire and +grinning at my surprise , was none other than Sherlock Holmes . He +made a slight motion to me to approach him , and instantly , as he +turned his face half round to the company once more , subsided +into a doddering , loose - lipped senility . + +" Holmes " I whispered , " what on earth are you doing in this den " + +" As low as you can " he answered ; " I have excellent ears . If you +would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend +of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with +you " + +" I have a cab outside " + +" Then pray send him home in it . You may safely trust him , for he +appears to be too limp to get into any mischief . I should +recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to +say that you have thrown in your lot with me . If you will wait +outside , I shall be with you in five minutes " + +It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes ' requests , for +they were always so exceedingly definite , and put forward with +such a quiet air of mastery . I felt , however , that when Whitney +was once confined in the cab my mission was practically +accomplished ; and for the rest , I could not wish anything better +than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular +adventures which were the normal condition of his existence . In a +few minutes I had written my note , paid Whitney's bill , led him +out to the cab , and seen him driven through the darkness . In a +very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den , +and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes . For two +streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot . +Then , glancing quickly round , he straightened himself out and +burst into a hearty fit of laughter . + +" I suppose , Watson " said he , " that you imagine that I have added +opium - smoking to cocaine injections , and all the other little +weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical +views " + +" I was certainly surprised to find you there " + +" But not more so than I to find you " + +" I came to find a friend " + +" And I to find an enemy " + +" An enemy " + +" Yes ; one of my natural enemies , or , shall I say , my natural +prey . Briefly , Watson , I am in the midst of a very remarkable +inquiry , and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent +ramblings of these sots , as I have done before now . Had I been +recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an +hour's purchase ; for I have used it before now for my own +purposes , and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have +vengeance upon me . There is a trap - door at the back of that +building , near the corner of Paul's Wharf , which could tell some +strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless +nights " + +" What ! You do not mean bodies " + +" Ay , bodies , Watson . We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds +for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den . It +is the vilest murder - trap on the whole riverside , and I fear that +Neville St . Clair has entered it never to leave it more . But our +trap should be here " He put his two forefingers between his +teeth and whistled shrilly - a signal which was answered by a +similar whistle from the distance , followed shortly by the rattle +of wheels and the clink of horses ' hoofs . + +" Now , Watson " said Holmes , as a tall dog - cart dashed up through +the gloom , throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from +its side lanterns . " You ' ll come with me , won't you " + +" If I can be of use " + +" Oh , a trusty comrade is always of use ; and a chronicler still +more so . My room at The Cedars is a double - bedded one " + +" The Cedars " + +" Yes ; that is Mr . St . Clair's house . I am staying there while I +conduct the inquiry " + +" Where is it , then " + +" Near Lee , in Kent . We have a seven - mile drive before us " + +" But I am all in the dark " + +" Of course you are . You ' ll know all about it presently . Jump up +here . All right , John ; we shall not need you . Here's half a +crown . Look out for me to - morrow , about eleven . Give her her +head . So long , then " + +He flicked the horse with his whip , and we dashed away through +the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets , which +widened gradually , until we were flying across a broad +balustraded bridge , with the murky river flowing sluggishly +beneath us . Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and +mortar , its silence broken only by the heavy , regular footfall of +the policeman , or the songs and shouts of some belated party of +revellers . A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky , and a +star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of +the clouds . Holmes drove in silence , with his head sunk upon his +breast , and the air of a man who is lost in thought , while I sat +beside him , curious to learn what this new quest might be which +seemed to tax his powers so sorely , and yet afraid to break in +upon the current of his thoughts . We had driven several miles , +and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban +villas , when he shook himself , shrugged his shoulders , and lit up +his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he +is acting for the best . + +" You have a grand gift of silence , Watson " said he . " It makes +you quite invaluable as a companion . ' Pon my word , it is a great +thing for me to have someone to talk to , for my own thoughts are +not over - pleasant . I was wondering what I should say to this dear +little woman to - night when she meets me at the door " + +" You forget that I know nothing about it " + +" I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before +we get to Lee . It seems absurdly simple , and yet , somehow I can +get nothing to go upon . There's plenty of thread , no doubt , but I +can't get the end of it into my hand . Now , I ' ll state the case +clearly and concisely to you , Watson , and maybe you can see a +spark where all is dark to me " + +" Proceed , then " + +" Some years ago - to be definite , in May , 1884 - there came to Lee +a gentleman , Neville St . Clair by name , who appeared to have +plenty of money . He took a large villa , laid out the grounds very +nicely , and lived generally in good style . By degrees he made +friends in the neighbourhood , and in 1887 he married the daughter +of a local brewer , by whom he now has two children . He had no +occupation , but was interested in several companies and went into +town as a rule in the morning , returning by the 5 : 14 from Cannon +Street every night . Mr . St . Clair is now thirty - seven years of +age , is a man of temperate habits , a good husband , a very +affectionate father , and a man who is popular with all who know +him . I may add that his whole debts at the present moment , as far +as we have been able to ascertain , amount to 88 pounds 10s , while +he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and +Counties Bank . There is no reason , therefore , to think that money +troubles have been weighing upon his mind . + +" Last Monday Mr . Neville St . Clair went into town rather earlier +than usual , remarking before he started that he had two important +commissions to perform , and that he would bring his little boy +home a box of bricks . Now , by the merest chance , his wife +received a telegram upon this same Monday , very shortly after his +departure , to the effect that a small parcel of considerable +value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the +offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company . Now , if you are well up +in your London , you will know that the office of the company is +in Fresno Street , which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane , where +you found me to - night . Mrs . St . Clair had her lunch , started for +the City , did some shopping , proceeded to the company's office , +got her packet , and found herself at exactly 4 : 35 walking through +Swandam Lane on her way back to the station . Have you followed me +so far " + +" It is very clear " + +" If you remember , Monday was an exceedingly hot day , and Mrs . St . +Clair walked slowly , glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab , +as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself . +While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane , she suddenly +heard an ejaculation or cry , and was struck cold to see her +husband looking down at her and , as it seemed to her , beckoning +to her from a second - floor window . The window was open , and she +distinctly saw his face , which she describes as being terribly +agitated . He waved his hands frantically to her , and then +vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that +he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind . +One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that +although he wore some dark coat , such as he had started to town +in , he had on neither collar nor necktie . + +" Convinced that something was amiss with him , she rushed down the +steps - for the house was none other than the opium den in which +you found me to - night - and running through the front room she +attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor . At +the foot of the stairs , however , she met this Lascar scoundrel of +whom I have spoken , who thrust her back and , aided by a Dane , who +acts as assistant there , pushed her out into the street . Filled +with the most maddening doubts and fears , she rushed down the +lane and , by rare good - fortune , met in Fresno Street a number of +constables with an inspector , all on their way to their beat . The +inspector and two men accompanied her back , and in spite of the +continued resistance of the proprietor , they made their way to +the room in which Mr . St . Clair had last been seen . There was no +sign of him there . In fact , in the whole of that floor there was +no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect , who , +it seems , made his home there . Both he and the Lascar stoutly +swore that no one else had been in the front room during the +afternoon . So determined was their denial that the inspector was +staggered , and had almost come to believe that Mrs . St . Clair had +been deluded when , with a cry , she sprang at a small deal box +which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it . Out there fell +a cascade of children's bricks . It was the toy which he had +promised to bring home . + +" This discovery , and the evident confusion which the cripple +showed , made the inspector realise that the matter was serious . +The rooms were carefully examined , and results all pointed to an +abominable crime . The front room was plainly furnished as a +sitting - room and led into a small bedroom , which looked out upon +the back of one of the wharves . Between the wharf and the bedroom +window is a narrow strip , which is dry at low tide but is covered +at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water . The +bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below . On +examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill , +and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of +the bedroom . Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were +all the clothes of Mr . Neville St . Clair , with the exception of +his coat . His boots , his socks , his hat , and his watch - all were +there . There were no signs of violence upon any of these +garments , and there were no other traces of Mr . Neville St . +Clair . Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no +other exit could be discovered , and the ominous bloodstains upon +the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by +swimming , for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of +the tragedy . + +" And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately +implicated in the matter . The Lascar was known to be a man of the +vilest antecedents , but as , by Mrs . St . Clair's story , he was +known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few +seconds of her husband's appearance at the window , he could +hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime . His defence +was one of absolute ignorance , and he protested that he had no +knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone , his lodger , and that he +could not account in any way for the presence of the missing +gentleman's clothes . + +" So much for the Lascar manager . Now for the sinister cripple who +lives upon the second floor of the opium den , and who was +certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St . +Clair . His name is Hugh Boone , and his hideous face is one which +is familiar to every man who goes much to the City . He is a +professional beggar , though in order to avoid the police +regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas . Some +little distance down Threadneedle Street , upon the left - hand +side , there is , as you may have remarked , a small angle in the +wall . Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat , +cross - legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap , and as he +is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the +greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him . I +have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of +making his professional acquaintance , and I have been surprised +at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time . His +appearance , you see , is so remarkable that no one can pass him +without observing him . A shock of orange hair , a pale face +disfigured by a horrible scar , which , by its contraction , has +turned up the outer edge of his upper lip , a bulldog chin , and a +pair of very penetrating dark eyes , which present a singular +contrast to the colour of his hair , all mark him out from amid +the common crowd of mendicants and so , too , does his wit , for he +is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be +thrown at him by the passers - by . This is the man whom we now +learn to have been the lodger at the opium den , and to have been +the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest " + +" But a cripple " said I . " What could he have done single - handed +against a man in the prime of life " + +" He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp ; but in +other respects he appears to be a powerful and well - nurtured man . +Surely your medical experience would tell you , Watson , that +weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional +strength in the others " + +" Pray continue your narrative " + +" Mrs . St . Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the +window , and she was escorted home in a cab by the police , as her +presence could be of no help to them in their investigations . +Inspector Barton , who had charge of the case , made a very careful +examination of the premises , but without finding anything which +threw any light upon the matter . One mistake had been made in not +arresting Boone instantly , as he was allowed some few minutes +during which he might have communicated with his friend the +Lascar , but this fault was soon remedied , and he was seized and +searched , without anything being found which could incriminate +him . There were , it is true , some blood - stains upon his right +shirt - sleeve , but he pointed to his ring - finger , which had been +cut near the nail , and explained that the bleeding came from +there , adding that he had been to the window not long before , and +that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from +the same source . He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr . +Neville St . Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in +his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police . As to +Mrs . St . Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband +at the window , he declared that she must have been either mad or +dreaming . He was removed , loudly protesting , to the +police - station , while the inspector remained upon the premises in +the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue . + +" And it did , though they hardly found upon the mud - bank what they +had feared to find . It was Neville St . Clair's coat , and not +Neville St . Clair , which lay uncovered as the tide receded . And +what do you think they found in the pockets " + +" I cannot imagine " + +" No , I don't think you would guess . Every pocket stuffed with +pennies and half - pennies - 421 pennies and 270 half - pennies . It +was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide . But a +human body is a different matter . There is a fierce eddy between +the wharf and the house . It seemed likely enough that the +weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked +away into the river " + +" But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the +room . Would the body be dressed in a coat alone " + +" No , sir , but the facts might be met speciously enough . Suppose +that this man Boone had thrust Neville St . Clair through the +window , there is no human eye which could have seen the deed . +What would he do then ? It would of course instantly strike him +that he must get rid of the tell - tale garments . He would seize +the coat , then , and be in the act of throwing it out , when it +would occur to him that it would swim and not sink . He has little +time , for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried +to force her way up , and perhaps he has already heard from his +Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street . +There is not an instant to be lost . He rushes to some secret +hoard , where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary , and he +stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the +pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking . He throws it out , and +would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard +the rush of steps below , and only just had time to close the +window when the police appeared " + +" It certainly sounds feasible " + +" Well , we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a +better . Boone , as I have told you , was arrested and taken to the +station , but it could not be shown that there had ever before +been anything against him . He had for years been known as a +professional beggar , but his life appeared to have been a very +quiet and innocent one . There the matter stands at present , and +the questions which have to be solved - what Neville St . Clair was +doing in the opium den , what happened to him when there , where is +he now , and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance - are +all as far from a solution as ever . I confess that I cannot +recall any case within my experience which looked at the first +glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties " + +While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of +events , we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great +town until the last straggling houses had been left behind , and +we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us . +Just as he finished , however , we drove through two scattered +villages , where a few lights still glimmered in the windows . + +" We are on the outskirts of Lee " said my companion . " We have +touched on three English counties in our short drive , starting in +Middlesex , passing over an angle of Surrey , and ending in Kent . +See that light among the trees ? That is The Cedars , and beside +that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already , I have +little doubt , caught the clink of our horse's feet " + +" But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street " I +asked . + +" Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here . +Mrs . St . Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal , and +you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for +my friend and colleague . I hate to meet her , Watson , when I have +no news of her husband . Here we are . Whoa , there , whoa " + +We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its +own grounds . A stable - boy had run out to the horse's head , and +springing down , I followed Holmes up the small , winding +gravel - drive which led to the house . As we approached , the door +flew open , and a little blonde woman stood in the opening , clad +in some sort of light mousseline de soie , with a touch of fluffy +pink chiffon at her neck and wrists . She stood with her figure +outlined against the flood of light , one hand upon the door , one +half - raised in her eagerness , her body slightly bent , her head +and face protruded , with eager eyes and parted lips , a standing +question . + +" Well " she cried , " well " And then , seeing that there were two +of us , she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw +that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders . + +" No good news " + +" None " + +" No bad " + +" No " + +" Thank God for that . But come in . You must be weary , for you have +had a long day " + +" This is my friend , Dr . Watson . He has been of most vital use to +me in several of my cases , and a lucky chance has made it +possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this +investigation " + +" I am delighted to see you " said she , pressing my hand warmly . +" You will , I am sure , forgive anything that may be wanting in our +arrangements , when you consider the blow which has come so +suddenly upon us " + +" My dear madam " said I , " I am an old campaigner , and if I were +not I can very well see that no apology is needed . If I can be of +any assistance , either to you or to my friend here , I shall be +indeed happy " + +" Now , Mr . Sherlock Holmes " said the lady as we entered a +well - lit dining - room , upon the table of which a cold supper had +been laid out , " I should very much like to ask you one or two +plain questions , to which I beg that you will give a plain +answer " + +" Certainly , madam " + +" Do not trouble about my feelings . I am not hysterical , nor given +to fainting . I simply wish to hear your real , real opinion " + +" Upon what point " + +" In your heart of hearts , do you think that Neville is alive " + +Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question . +" Frankly , now " she repeated , standing upon the rug and looking +keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket - chair . + +" Frankly , then , madam , I do not " + +" You think that he is dead " + +" I do " + +" Murdered " + +" I don't say that . Perhaps " + +" And on what day did he meet his death " + +" On Monday " + +" Then perhaps , Mr . Holmes , you will be good enough to explain how +it is that I have received a letter from him to - day " + +Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been +galvanised . + +" What " he roared . + +" Yes , to - day " She stood smiling , holding up a little slip of +paper in the air . + +" May I see it " + +" Certainly " + +He snatched it from her in his eagerness , and smoothing it out +upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently . I +had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder . The +envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend +postmark and with the date of that very day , or rather of the day +before , for it was considerably after midnight . + +" Coarse writing " murmured Holmes . " Surely this is not your +husband's writing , madam " + +" No , but the enclosure is " + +" I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go +and inquire as to the address " + +" How can you tell that " + +" The name , you see , is in perfectly black ink , which has dried +itself . The rest is of the greyish colour , which shows that +blotting - paper has been used . If it had been written straight +off , and then blotted , none would be of a deep black shade . This +man has written the name , and there has then been a pause before +he wrote the address , which can only mean that he was not +familiar with it . It is , of course , a trifle , but there is +nothing so important as trifles . Let us now see the letter . Ha ! +there has been an enclosure here " + +" Yes , there was a ring . His signet - ring " + +" And you are sure that this is your husband's hand " + +" One of his hands " + +" One " + +" His hand when he wrote hurriedly . It is very unlike his usual +writing , and yet I know it well " + + ' Dearest do not be frightened . All will come well . There is a +huge error which it may take some little time to rectify . +Wait in patience -- NEVILLE ' Written in pencil upon the fly - leaf +of a book , octavo size , no water - mark . Hum ! Posted to - day in +Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb . Ha ! And the flap has been +gummed , if I am not very much in error , by a person who had been +chewing tobacco . And you have no doubt that it is your husband's +hand , madam " + +" None . Neville wrote those words " + +" And they were posted to - day at Gravesend . Well , Mrs . St . Clair , +the clouds lighten , though I should not venture to say that the +danger is over " + +" But he must be alive , Mr . Holmes " + +" Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent . +The ring , after all , proves nothing . It may have been taken from +him " + +" No , no ; it is , it is his very own writing " + +" Very well . It may , however , have been written on Monday and only +posted to - day " + +" That is possible " + +" If so , much may have happened between " + +" Oh , you must not discourage me , Mr . Holmes . I know that all is +well with him . There is so keen a sympathy between us that I +should know if evil came upon him . On the very day that I saw him +last he cut himself in the bedroom , and yet I in the dining - room +rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that +something had happened . Do you think that I would respond to such +a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death " + +" I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman +may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical +reasoner . And in this letter you certainly have a very strong +piece of evidence to corroborate your view . But if your husband +is alive and able to write letters , why should he remain away +from you " + +" I cannot imagine . It is unthinkable " + +" And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you " + +" No " + +" And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane " + +" Very much so " + +" Was the window open " + +" Yes " + +" Then he might have called to you " + +" He might " + +" He only , as I understand , gave an inarticulate cry " + +" Yes " + +" A call for help , you thought " + +" Yes . He waved his hands " + +" But it might have been a cry of surprise . Astonishment at the +unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands " + +" It is possible " + +" And you thought he was pulled back " + +" He disappeared so suddenly " + +" He might have leaped back . You did not see anyone else in the +room " + +" No , but this horrible man confessed to having been there , and +the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs " + +" Quite so . Your husband , as far as you could see , had his +ordinary clothes on " + +" But without his collar or tie . I distinctly saw his bare +throat " + +" Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane " + +" Never " + +" Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium " + +" Never " + +" Thank you , Mrs . St . Clair . Those are the principal points about +which I wished to be absolutely clear . We shall now have a little +supper and then retire , for we may have a very busy day +to - morrow " + +A large and comfortable double - bedded room had been placed at our +disposal , and I was quickly between the sheets , for I was weary +after my night of adventure . Sherlock Holmes was a man , however , +who , when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind , would go for +days , and even for a week , without rest , turning it over , +rearranging his facts , looking at it from every point of view +until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his +data were insufficient . It was soon evident to me that he was now +preparing for an all - night sitting . He took off his coat and +waistcoat , put on a large blue dressing - gown , and then wandered +about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from +the sofa and armchairs . With these he constructed a sort of +Eastern divan , upon which he perched himself cross - legged , with +an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front +of him . In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there , an +old briar pipe between his lips , his eyes fixed vacantly upon the +corner of the ceiling , the blue smoke curling up from him , +silent , motionless , with the light shining upon his strong - set +aquiline features . So he sat as I dropped off to sleep , and so he +sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up , and I found +the summer sun shining into the apartment . The pipe was still +between his lips , the smoke still curled upward , and the room was +full of a dense tobacco haze , but nothing remained of the heap of +shag which I had seen upon the previous night . + +" Awake , Watson " he asked . + +" Yes " + +" Game for a morning drive " + +" Certainly " + +" Then dress . No one is stirring yet , but I know where the +stable - boy sleeps , and we shall soon have the trap out " He +chuckled to himself as he spoke , his eyes twinkled , and he seemed +a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night . + +As I dressed I glanced at my watch . It was no wonder that no one +was stirring . It was twenty - five minutes past four . I had hardly +finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was +putting in the horse . + +" I want to test a little theory of mine " said he , pulling on his +boots . " I think , Watson , that you are now standing in the +presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe . I deserve +to be kicked from here to Charing Cross . But I think I have the +key of the affair now " + +" And where is it " I asked , smiling . + +" In the bathroom " he answered . " Oh , yes , I am not joking " he +continued , seeing my look of incredulity . " I have just been +there , and I have taken it out , and I have got it in this +Gladstone bag . Come on , my boy , and we shall see whether it will +not fit the lock " + +We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible , and out into +the bright morning sunshine . In the road stood our horse and +trap , with the half - clad stable - boy waiting at the head . We both +sprang in , and away we dashed down the London Road . A few country +carts were stirring , bearing in vegetables to the metropolis , but +the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as +some city in a dream . + +" It has been in some points a singular case " said Holmes , +flicking the horse on into a gallop . " I confess that I have been +as blind as a mole , but it is better to learn wisdom late than +never to learn it at all " + +In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily +from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey +side . Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the +river , and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the +right and found ourselves in Bow Street . Sherlock Holmes was well +known to the force , and the two constables at the door saluted +him . One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in . + +" Who is on duty " asked Holmes . + +" Inspector Bradstreet , sir " + +" Ah , Bradstreet , how are you " A tall , stout official had come +down the stone - flagged passage , in a peaked cap and frogged +jacket . " I wish to have a quiet word with you , Bradstreet " +" Certainly , Mr . Holmes . Step into my room here " It was a small , +office - like room , with a huge ledger upon the table , and a +telephone projecting from the wall . The inspector sat down at his +desk . + +" What can I do for you , Mr . Holmes " + +" I called about that beggarman , Boone - the one who was charged +with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr . Neville St . +Clair , of Lee " + +" Yes . He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries " + +" So I heard . You have him here " + +" In the cells " + +" Is he quiet " + +" Oh , he gives no trouble . But he is a dirty scoundrel " + +" Dirty " + +" Yes , it is all we can do to make him wash his hands , and his +face is as black as a tinker's . Well , when once his case has been +settled , he will have a regular prison bath ; and I think , if you +saw him , you would agree with me that he needed it " + +" I should like to see him very much " + +" Would you ? That is easily done . Come this way . You can leave +your bag " + +" No , I think that I ' ll take it " + +" Very good . Come this way , if you please " He led us down a +passage , opened a barred door , passed down a winding stair , and +brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each +side . + +" The third on the right is his " said the inspector . " Here it +is " He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door +and glanced through . + +" He is asleep " said he . " You can see him very well " + +We both put our eyes to the grating . The prisoner lay with his +face towards us , in a very deep sleep , breathing slowly and +heavily . He was a middle - sized man , coarsely clad as became his +calling , with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his +tattered coat . He was , as the inspector had said , extremely +dirty , but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its +repulsive ugliness . A broad wheal from an old scar ran right +across it from eye to chin , and by its contraction had turned up +one side of the upper lip , so that three teeth were exposed in a +perpetual snarl . A shock of very bright red hair grew low over +his eyes and forehead . + +" He's a beauty , isn't he " said the inspector . + +" He certainly needs a wash " remarked Holmes . " I had an idea that +he might , and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me " +He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke , and took out , to my +astonishment , a very large bath - sponge . + +" He ! he ! You are a funny one " chuckled the inspector . + +" Now , if you will have the great goodness to open that door very +quietly , we will soon make him cut a much more respectable +figure " + +" Well , I don't know why not " said the inspector . " He doesn ' t +look a credit to the Bow Street cells , does he " He slipped his +key into the lock , and we all very quietly entered the cell . The +sleeper half turned , and then settled down once more into a deep +slumber . Holmes stooped to the water - jug , moistened his sponge , +and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the +prisoner's face . + +" Let me introduce you " he shouted , " to Mr . Neville St . Clair , of +Lee , in the county of Kent " + +Never in my life have I seen such a sight . The man's face peeled +off under the sponge like the bark from a tree . Gone was the +coarse brown tint ! Gone , too , was the horrid scar which had +seamed it across , and the twisted lip which had given the +repulsive sneer to the face ! A twitch brought away the tangled +red hair , and there , sitting up in his bed , was a pale , +sad - faced , refined - looking man , black - haired and smooth - skinned , +rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment . +Then suddenly realising the exposure , he broke into a scream and +threw himself down with his face to the pillow . + +" Great heavens " cried the inspector , " it is , indeed , the missing +man . I know him from the photograph " + +The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons +himself to his destiny . " Be it so " said he . " And pray what am I +charged with " + +" With making away with Mr . Neville St -- Oh , come , you can't be +charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of +it " said the inspector with a grin . " Well , I have been +twenty - seven years in the force , but this really takes the cake " + +" If I am Mr . Neville St . Clair , then it is obvious that no crime +has been committed , and that , therefore , I am illegally +detained " + +" No crime , but a very great error has been committed " said +Holmes . " You would have done better to have trusted your wife " + +" It was not the wife ; it was the children " groaned the prisoner . +" God help me , I would not have them ashamed of their father . My +God ! What an exposure ! What can I do " + +Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him +kindly on the shoulder . + +" If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up " said +he , " of course you can hardly avoid publicity . On the other hand , +if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible +case against you , I do not know that there is any reason that the +details should find their way into the papers . Inspector +Bradstreet would , I am sure , make notes upon anything which you +might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities . The case +would then never go into court at all " + +" God bless you " cried the prisoner passionately . " I would have +endured imprisonment , ay , even execution , rather than have left +my miserable secret as a family blot to my children . + +" You are the first who have ever heard my story . My father was a +schoolmaster in Chesterfield , where I received an excellent +education . I travelled in my youth , took to the stage , and +finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London . One day +my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the +metropolis , and I volunteered to supply them . There was the point +from which all my adventures started . It was only by trying +begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to +base my articles . When an actor I had , of course , learned all the +secrets of making up , and had been famous in the green - room for +my skill . I took advantage now of my attainments . I painted my +face , and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good +scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a +small slip of flesh - coloured plaster . Then with a red head of +hair , and an appropriate dress , I took my station in the business +part of the city , ostensibly as a match - seller but really as a +beggar . For seven hours I plied my trade , and when I returned +home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no +less than 26s . 4d . + +" I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until , +some time later , I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ +served upon me for 25 pounds . I was at my wit's end where to get +the money , but a sudden idea came to me . I begged a fortnight's +grace from the creditor , asked for a holiday from my employers , +and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise . In +ten days I had the money and had paid the debt . + +" Well , you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous +work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in +a day by smearing my face with a little paint , laying my cap on +the ground , and sitting still . It was a long fight between my +pride and the money , but the dollars won at last , and I threw up +reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first +chosen , inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets +with coppers . Only one man knew my secret . He was the keeper of a +low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane , where I could +every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings +transform myself into a well - dressed man about town . This fellow , +a Lascar , was well paid by me for his rooms , so that I knew that +my secret was safe in his possession . + +" Well , very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of +money . I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London +could earn 700 pounds a year - which is less than my average +takings - but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making +up , and also in a facility of repartee , which improved by +practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City . +All day a stream of pennies , varied by silver , poured in upon me , +and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds . + +" As I grew richer I grew more ambitious , took a house in the +country , and eventually married , without anyone having a +suspicion as to my real occupation . My dear wife knew that I had +business in the City . She little knew what . + +" Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my +room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw , +to my horror and astonishment , that my wife was standing in the +street , with her eyes fixed full upon me . I gave a cry of +surprise , threw up my arms to cover my face , and , rushing to my +confidant , the Lascar , entreated him to prevent anyone from +coming up to me . I heard her voice downstairs , but I knew that +she could not ascend . Swiftly I threw off my clothes , pulled on +those of a beggar , and put on my pigments and wig . Even a wife's +eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise . But then it +occurred to me that there might be a search in the room , and that +the clothes might betray me . I threw open the window , reopening +by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in +the bedroom that morning . Then I seized my coat , which was +weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from +the leather bag in which I carried my takings . I hurled it out of +the window , and it disappeared into the Thames . The other clothes +would have followed , but at that moment there was a rush of +constables up the stair , and a few minutes after I found , rather , +I confess , to my relief , that instead of being identified as Mr . +Neville St . Clair , I was arrested as his murderer . + +" I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain . I +was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible , and +hence my preference for a dirty face . Knowing that my wife would +be terribly anxious , I slipped off my ring and confided it to the +Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me , together +with a hurried scrawl , telling her that she had no cause to +fear " + +" That note only reached her yesterday " said Holmes . + +" Good God ! What a week she must have spent " + +" The police have watched this Lascar " said Inspector Bradstreet , +" and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to +post a letter unobserved . Probably he handed it to some sailor +customer of his , who forgot all about it for some days " + +" That was it " said Holmes , nodding approvingly ; " I have no doubt +of it . But have you never been prosecuted for begging " + +" Many times ; but what was a fine to me " + +" It must stop here , however " said Bradstreet . " If the police are +to hush this thing up , there must be no more of Hugh Boone " + +" I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take " + +" In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps +may be taken . But if you are found again , then all must come out . +I am sure , Mr . Holmes , that we are very much indebted to you for +having cleared the matter up . I wish I knew how you reach your +results " + +" I reached this one " said my friend , " by sitting upon five +pillows and consuming an ounce of shag . I think , Watson , that if +we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast " + + + +VII . THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE + +I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second +morning after Christmas , with the intention of wishing him the +compliments of the season . He was lounging upon the sofa in a +purple dressing - gown , a pipe - rack within his reach upon the +right , and a pile of crumpled morning papers , evidently newly +studied , near at hand . Beside the couch was a wooden chair , and +on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable +hard - felt hat , much the worse for wear , and cracked in several +places . A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair +suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the +purpose of examination . + +" You are engaged " said I ; " perhaps I interrupt you " + +" Not at all . I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss +my results . The matter is a perfectly trivial one -- he jerked his +thumb in the direction of the old hat -" but there are points in +connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and +even of instruction " + +I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his +crackling fire , for a sharp frost had set in , and the windows +were thick with the ice crystals . " I suppose " I remarked , " that , +homely as it looks , this thing has some deadly story linked on to +it - that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of +some mystery and the punishment of some crime " + +" No , no . No crime " said Sherlock Holmes , laughing . " Only one of +those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have +four million human beings all jostling each other within the +space of a few square miles . Amid the action and reaction of so +dense a swarm of humanity , every possible combination of events +may be expected to take place , and many a little problem will be +presented which may be striking and bizarre without being +criminal . We have already had experience of such " + +" So much so " I remarked , " that of the last six cases which I +have added to my notes , three have been entirely free of any +legal crime " + +" Precisely . You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler +papers , to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland , and to the +adventure of the man with the twisted lip . Well , I have no doubt +that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category . +You know Peterson , the commissionaire " + +" Yes " + +" It is to him that this trophy belongs " + +" It is his hat " + +" No , no , he found it . Its owner is unknown . I beg that you will +look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual +problem . And , first , as to how it came here . It arrived upon +Christmas morning , in company with a good fat goose , which is , I +have no doubt , roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's +fire . The facts are these : about four o'clock on Christmas +morning , Peterson , who , as you know , is a very honest fellow , was +returning from some small jollification and was making his way +homeward down Tottenham Court Road . In front of him he saw , in +the gaslight , a tallish man , walking with a slight stagger , and +carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder . As he reached the +corner of Goodge Street , a row broke out between this stranger +and a little knot of roughs . One of the latter knocked off the +man's hat , on which he raised his stick to defend himself and , +swinging it over his head , smashed the shop window behind him . +Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his +assailants ; but the man , shocked at having broken the window , and +seeing an official - looking person in uniform rushing towards him , +dropped his goose , took to his heels , and vanished amid the +labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham +Court Road . The roughs had also fled at the appearance of +Peterson , so that he was left in possession of the field of +battle , and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this +battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose " + +" Which surely he restored to their owner " + +" My dear fellow , there lies the problem . It is true that ' For +Mrs . Henry Baker ' was printed upon a small card which was tied to +the bird's left leg , and it is also true that the initials ' H . +B ' are legible upon the lining of this hat , but as there are +some thousands of Bakers , and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in +this city of ours , it is not easy to restore lost property to any +one of them " + +" What , then , did Peterson do " + +" He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning , +knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me . +The goose we retained until this morning , when there were signs +that , in spite of the slight frost , it would be well that it +should be eaten without unnecessary delay . Its finder has carried +it off , therefore , to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose , +while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who +lost his Christmas dinner " + +" Did he not advertise " + +" No " + +" Then , what clue could you have as to his identity " + +" Only as much as we can deduce " + +" From his hat " + +" Precisely " + +" But you are joking . What can you gather from this old battered +felt " + +" Here is my lens . You know my methods . What can you gather +yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this +article " + +I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather +ruefully . It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round +shape , hard and much the worse for wear . The lining had been of +red silk , but was a good deal discoloured . There was no maker's +name ; but , as Holmes had remarked , the initials " H . B " were +scrawled upon one side . It was pierced in the brim for a +hat - securer , but the elastic was missing . For the rest , it was +cracked , exceedingly dusty , and spotted in several places , +although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the +discoloured patches by smearing them with ink . + +" I can see nothing " said I , handing it back to my friend . + +" On the contrary , Watson , you can see everything . You fail , +however , to reason from what you see . You are too timid in +drawing your inferences " + +" Then , pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat " + +He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective +fashion which was characteristic of him . " It is perhaps less +suggestive than it might have been " he remarked , " and yet there +are a few inferences which are very distinct , and a few others +which represent at least a strong balance of probability . That +the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the +face of it , and also that he was fairly well - to - do within the +last three years , although he has now fallen upon evil days . He +had foresight , but has less now than formerly , pointing to a +moral retrogression , which , when taken with the decline of his +fortunes , seems to indicate some evil influence , probably drink , +at work upon him . This may account also for the obvious fact that +his wife has ceased to love him " + +" My dear Holmes " + +" He has , however , retained some degree of self - respect " he +continued , disregarding my remonstrance . " He is a man who leads a +sedentary life , goes out little , is out of training entirely , is +middle - aged , has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the +last few days , and which he anoints with lime - cream . These are +the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat . Also , +by the way , that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid +on in his house " + +" You are certainly joking , Holmes " + +" Not in the least . Is it possible that even now , when I give you +these results , you are unable to see how they are attained " + +" I have no doubt that I am very stupid , but I must confess that I +am unable to follow you . For example , how did you deduce that +this man was intellectual " + +For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head . It came right +over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose . " It is +a question of cubic capacity " said he ; " a man with so large a +brain must have something in it " + +" The decline of his fortunes , then " + +" This hat is three years old . These flat brims curled at the edge +came in then . It is a hat of the very best quality . Look at the +band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining . If this man could +afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago , and has had no +hat since , then he has assuredly gone down in the world " + +" Well , that is clear enough , certainly . But how about the +foresight and the moral retrogression " + +Sherlock Holmes laughed . " Here is the foresight " said he putting +his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat - securer . +" They are never sold upon hats . If this man ordered one , it is a +sign of a certain amount of foresight , since he went out of his +way to take this precaution against the wind . But since we see +that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace +it , it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly , +which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature . On the other +hand , he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the +felt by daubing them with ink , which is a sign that he has not +entirely lost his self - respect " + +" Your reasoning is certainly plausible " + +" The further points , that he is middle - aged , that his hair is +grizzled , that it has been recently cut , and that he uses +lime - cream , are all to be gathered from a close examination of the +lower part of the lining . The lens discloses a large number of +hair - ends , clean cut by the scissors of the barber . They all +appear to be adhesive , and there is a distinct odour of +lime - cream . This dust , you will observe , is not the gritty , grey +dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house , +showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time , while +the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the +wearer perspired very freely , and could therefore , hardly be in +the best of training " + +" But his wife - you said that she had ceased to love him " + +" This hat has not been brushed for weeks . When I see you , my dear +Watson , with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat , and +when your wife allows you to go out in such a state , I shall fear +that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's +affection " + +" But he might be a bachelor " + +" Nay , he was bringing home the goose as a peace - offering to his +wife . Remember the card upon the bird's leg " + +" You have an answer to everything . But how on earth do you deduce +that the gas is not laid on in his house " + +" One tallow stain , or even two , might come by chance ; but when I +see no less than five , I think that there can be little doubt +that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with +burning tallow - walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in +one hand and a guttering candle in the other . Anyhow , he never +got tallow - stains from a gas - jet . Are you satisfied " + +" Well , it is very ingenious " said I , laughing ; " but since , as +you said just now , there has been no crime committed , and no harm +done save the loss of a goose , all this seems to be rather a +waste of energy " + +Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply , when the door flew +open , and Peterson , the commissionaire , rushed into the apartment +with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with +astonishment . + +" The goose , Mr . Holmes ! The goose , sir " he gasped . + +" Eh ? What of it , then ? Has it returned to life and flapped off +through the kitchen window " Holmes twisted himself round upon +the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face . + +" See here , sir ! See what my wife found in its crop " He held out +his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly +scintillating blue stone , rather smaller than a bean in size , but +of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric +point in the dark hollow of his hand . + +Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle . " By Jove , Peterson " said +he , " this is treasure trove indeed . I suppose you know what you +have got " + +" A diamond , sir ? A precious stone . It cuts into glass as though +it were putty " + +" It's more than a precious stone . It is the precious stone " + +" Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle " I ejaculated . + +" Precisely so . I ought to know its size and shape , seeing that I +have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day +lately . It is absolutely unique , and its value can only be +conjectured , but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly +not within a twentieth part of the market price " + +" A thousand pounds ! Great Lord of mercy " The commissionaire +plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us . + +" That is the reward , and I have reason to know that there are +sentimental considerations in the background which would induce +the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but +recover the gem " + +" It was lost , if I remember aright , at the Hotel Cosmopolitan " I +remarked . + +" Precisely so , on December 22nd , just five days ago . John Horner , +a plumber , was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's +jewel - case . The evidence against him was so strong that the case +has been referred to the Assizes . I have some account of the +matter here , I believe " He rummaged amid his newspapers , +glancing over the dates , until at last he smoothed one out , +doubled it over , and read the following paragraph : + +" Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery . John Horner , 26 , plumber , was +brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst , +abstracted from the jewel - case of the Countess of Morcar the +valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle . James Ryder , +upper - attendant at the hotel , gave his evidence to the effect +that he had shown Horner up to the dressing - room of the Countess +of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might +solder the second bar of the grate , which was loose . He had +remained with Horner some little time , but had finally been +called away . On returning , he found that Horner had disappeared , +that the bureau had been forced open , and that the small morocco +casket in which , as it afterwards transpired , the Countess was +accustomed to keep her jewel , was lying empty upon the +dressing - table . Ryder instantly gave the alarm , and Horner was +arrested the same evening ; but the stone could not be found +either upon his person or in his rooms . Catherine Cusack , maid to +the Countess , deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on +discovering the robbery , and to having rushed into the room , +where she found matters as described by the last witness . +Inspector Bradstreet , B division , gave evidence as to the arrest +of Horner , who struggled frantically , and protested his innocence +in the strongest terms . Evidence of a previous conviction for +robbery having been given against the prisoner , the magistrate +refused to deal summarily with the offence , but referred it to +the Assizes . Horner , who had shown signs of intense emotion +during the proceedings , fainted away at the conclusion and was +carried out of court " + +" Hum ! So much for the police - court " said Holmes thoughtfully , +tossing aside the paper . " The question for us now to solve is the +sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel - case at one end to +the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other . You +see , Watson , our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much +more important and less innocent aspect . Here is the stone ; the +stone came from the goose , and the goose came from Mr . Henry +Baker , the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other +characteristics with which I have bored you . So now we must set +ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and +ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery . To +do this , we must try the simplest means first , and these lie +undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers . If +this fail , I shall have recourse to other methods " + +" What will you say " + +" Give me a pencil and that slip of paper . Now , then : ' Found at +the corner of Goodge Street , a goose and a black felt hat . Mr . +Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6 : 30 this evening at +221B , Baker Street ' That is clear and concise " + +" Very . But will he see it " + +" Well , he is sure to keep an eye on the papers , since , to a poor +man , the loss was a heavy one . He was clearly so scared by his +mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson +that he thought of nothing but flight , but since then he must +have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his +bird . Then , again , the introduction of his name will cause him to +see it , for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to +it . Here you are , Peterson , run down to the advertising agency +and have this put in the evening papers " + +" In which , sir " + +" Oh , in the Globe , Star , Pall Mall , St . James's , Evening News , +Standard , Echo , and any others that occur to you " + +" Very well , sir . And this stone " + +" Ah , yes , I shall keep the stone . Thank you . And , I say , +Peterson , just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here +with me , for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place +of the one which your family is now devouring " + +When the commissionaire had gone , Holmes took up the stone and +held it against the light . " It's a bonny thing " said he . " Just +see how it glints and sparkles . Of course it is a nucleus and +focus of crime . Every good stone is . They are the devil's pet +baits . In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a +bloody deed . This stone is not yet twenty years old . It was found +in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable +in having every characteristic of the carbuncle , save that it is +blue in shade instead of ruby red . In spite of its youth , it has +already a sinister history . There have been two murders , a +vitriol - throwing , a suicide , and several robberies brought about +for the sake of this forty - grain weight of crystallised charcoal . +Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the +gallows and the prison ? I ' ll lock it up in my strong box now and +drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it " + +" Do you think that this man Horner is innocent " + +" I cannot tell " + +" Well , then , do you imagine that this other one , Henry Baker , had +anything to do with the matter " + +" It is , I think , much more likely that Henry Baker is an +absolutely innocent man , who had no idea that the bird which he +was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made +of solid gold . That , however , I shall determine by a very simple +test if we have an answer to our advertisement " + +" And you can do nothing until then " + +" Nothing " + +" In that case I shall continue my professional round . But I shall +come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned , for I +should like to see the solution of so tangled a business " + +" Very glad to see you . I dine at seven . There is a woodcock , I +believe . By the way , in view of recent occurrences , perhaps I +ought to ask Mrs . Hudson to examine its crop " + +I had been delayed at a case , and it was a little after half - past +six when I found myself in Baker Street once more . As I +approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a +coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the +bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight . Just as I +arrived the door was opened , and we were shown up together to +Holmes ' room . + +" Mr . Henry Baker , I believe " said he , rising from his armchair +and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he +could so readily assume . " Pray take this chair by the fire , Mr . +Baker . It is a cold night , and I observe that your circulation is +more adapted for summer than for winter . Ah , Watson , you have +just come at the right time . Is that your hat , Mr . Baker " + +" Yes , sir , that is undoubtedly my hat " + +He was a large man with rounded shoulders , a massive head , and a +broad , intelligent face , sloping down to a pointed beard of +grizzled brown . A touch of red in nose and cheeks , with a slight +tremor of his extended hand , recalled Holmes ' surmise as to his +habits . His rusty black frock - coat was buttoned right up in +front , with the collar turned up , and his lank wrists protruded +from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt . He spoke in a +slow staccato fashion , choosing his words with care , and gave the +impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had +ill - usage at the hands of fortune . + +" We have retained these things for some days " said Holmes , +" because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your +address . I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise " + +Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh . " Shillings have not +been so plentiful with me as they once were " he remarked . " I had +no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off +both my hat and the bird . I did not care to spend more money in a +hopeless attempt at recovering them " + +" Very naturally . By the way , about the bird , we were compelled to +eat it " + +" To eat it " Our visitor half rose from his chair in his +excitement . + +" Yes , it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so . +But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard , which is +about the same weight and perfectly fresh , will answer your +purpose equally well " + +" Oh , certainly , certainly " answered Mr . Baker with a sigh of +relief . + +" Of course , we still have the feathers , legs , crop , and so on of +your own bird , so if you wish -" + +The man burst into a hearty laugh . " They might be useful to me as +relics of my adventure " said he , " but beyond that I can hardly +see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are +going to be to me . No , sir , I think that , with your permission , I +will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive +upon the sideboard " + +Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug +of his shoulders . + +" There is your hat , then , and there your bird " said he . " By the +way , would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one +from ? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier , and I have seldom seen a +better grown goose " + +" Certainly , sir " said Baker , who had risen and tucked his newly +gained property under his arm . " There are a few of us who +frequent the Alpha Inn , near the Museum - we are to be found in +the Museum itself during the day , you understand . This year our +good host , Windigate by name , instituted a goose club , by which , +on consideration of some few pence every week , we were each to +receive a bird at Christmas . My pence were duly paid , and the +rest is familiar to you . I am much indebted to you , sir , for a +Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity " With +a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and +strode off upon his way . + +" So much for Mr . Henry Baker " said Holmes when he had closed the +door behind him . " It is quite certain that he knows nothing +whatever about the matter . Are you hungry , Watson " + +" Not particularly " + +" Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow +up this clue while it is still hot " + +" By all means " + +It was a bitter night , so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped +cravats about our throats . Outside , the stars were shining coldly +in a cloudless sky , and the breath of the passers - by blew out +into smoke like so many pistol shots . Our footfalls rang out +crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors ' quarter , +Wimpole Street , Harley Street , and so through Wigmore Street into +Oxford Street . In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at +the Alpha Inn , which is a small public - house at the corner of one +of the streets which runs down into Holborn . Holmes pushed open +the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from +the ruddy - faced , white - aproned landlord . + +" Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese " +said he . + +" My geese " The man seemed surprised . + +" Yes . I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr . Henry Baker , +who was a member of your goose club " + +" Ah ! yes , I see . But you see , sir , them's not our geese " + +" Indeed ! Whose , then " + +" Well , I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden " + +" Indeed ? I know some of them . Which was it " + +" Breckinridge is his name " + +" Ah ! I don't know him . Well , here's your good health landlord , +and prosperity to your house . Good - night " + +" Now for Mr . Breckinridge " he continued , buttoning up his coat +as we came out into the frosty air . " Remember , Watson that though +we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain , we +have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years ' penal +servitude unless we can establish his innocence . It is possible +that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt ; but , in any case , we +have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police , +and which a singular chance has placed in our hands . Let us +follow it out to the bitter end . Faces to the south , then , and +quick march " + +We passed across Holborn , down Endell Street , and so through a +zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market . One of the largest +stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it , and the proprietor +a horsey - looking man , with a sharp face and trim side - whiskers was +helping a boy to put up the shutters . + +" Good - evening . It's a cold night " said Holmes . + +The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my +companion . + +" Sold out of geese , I see " continued Holmes , pointing at the +bare slabs of marble . + +" Let you have five hundred to - morrow morning " + +" That's no good " + +" Well , there are some on the stall with the gas - flare " + +" Ah , but I was recommended to you " + +" Who by " + +" The landlord of the Alpha " + +" Oh , yes ; I sent him a couple of dozen " + +" Fine birds they were , too . Now where did you get them from " + +To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the +salesman . + +" Now , then , mister " said he , with his head cocked and his arms +akimbo , " what are you driving at ? Let's have it straight , now " + +" It is straight enough . I should like to know who sold you the +geese which you supplied to the Alpha " + +" Well then , I shan't tell you . So now " + +" Oh , it is a matter of no importance ; but I don't know why you +should be so warm over such a trifle " + +" Warm ! You ' d be as warm , maybe , if you were as pestered as I am . +When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end +of the business ; but it's ' Where are the geese ' and ' Who did you +sell the geese to ' and ' What will you take for the geese ' One +would think they were the only geese in the world , to hear the +fuss that is made over them " + +" Well , I have no connection with any other people who have been +making inquiries " said Holmes carelessly . " If you won't tell us +the bet is off , that is all . But I ' m always ready to back my +opinion on a matter of fowls , and I have a fiver on it that the +bird I ate is country bred " + +" Well , then , you ' ve lost your fiver , for it's town bred " snapped +the salesman . + +" It's nothing of the kind " + +" I say it is " + +" I don't believe it " + +" D ' you think you know more about fowls than I , who have handled +them ever since I was a nipper ? I tell you , all those birds that +went to the Alpha were town bred " + +" You ' ll never persuade me to believe that " + +" Will you bet , then " + +" It's merely taking your money , for I know that I am right . But +I ' ll have a sovereign on with you , just to teach you not to be +obstinate " + +The salesman chuckled grimly . " Bring me the books , Bill " said +he . + +The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great +greasy - backed one , laying them out together beneath the hanging +lamp . + +" Now then , Mr . Cocksure " said the salesman , " I thought that I +was out of geese , but before I finish you ' ll find that there is +still one left in my shop . You see this little book " + +" Well " + +" That's the list of the folk from whom I buy . D ' you see ? Well , +then , here on this page are the country folk , and the numbers +after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger . +Now , then ! You see this other page in red ink ? Well , that is a +list of my town suppliers . Now , look at that third name . Just +read it out to me " + +" Mrs . Oakshott , 117 , Brixton Road - 249 " read Holmes . + +" Quite so . Now turn that up in the ledger " + +Holmes turned to the page indicated . " Here you are , ' Mrs . +Oakshott , 117 , Brixton Road , egg and poultry supplier '" + +" Now , then , what's the last entry " + + ' December 22nd . Twenty - four geese at 7s . 6d '" + +" Quite so . There you are . And underneath " + + ' Sold to Mr . Windigate of the Alpha , at 12s '" + +" What have you to say now " + +Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined . He drew a sovereign from +his pocket and threw it down upon the slab , turning away with the +air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words . A few yards off +he stopped under a lamp - post and laughed in the hearty , noiseless +fashion which was peculiar to him . + +" When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the ' Pink ' un ' +protruding out of his pocket , you can always draw him by a bet " +said he . " I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of +him , that man would not have given me such complete information +as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a +wager . Well , Watson , we are , I fancy , nearing the end of our +quest , and the only point which remains to be determined is +whether we should go on to this Mrs . Oakshott to - night , or +whether we should reserve it for to - morrow . It is clear from what +that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves +who are anxious about the matter , and I should -" + +His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke +out from the stall which we had just left . Turning round we saw a +little rat - faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of +yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp , while +Breckinridge , the salesman , framed in the door of his stall , was +shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure . + +" I ' ve had enough of you and your geese " he shouted . " I wish you +were all at the devil together . If you come pestering me any more +with your silly talk I ' ll set the dog at you . You bring Mrs . +Oakshott here and I ' ll answer her , but what have you to do with +it ? Did I buy the geese off you " + +" No ; but one of them was mine all the same " whined the little +man . + +" Well , then , ask Mrs . Oakshott for it " + +" She told me to ask you " + +" Well , you can ask the King of Proosia , for all I care . I ' ve had +enough of it . Get out of this " He rushed fiercely forward , and +the inquirer flitted away into the darkness . + +" Ha ! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road " whispered Holmes . +" Come with me , and we will see what is to be made of this +fellow " Striding through the scattered knots of people who +lounged round the flaring stalls , my companion speedily overtook +the little man and touched him upon the shoulder . He sprang +round , and I could see in the gas - light that every vestige of +colour had been driven from his face . + +" Who are you , then ? What do you want " he asked in a quavering +voice . + +" You will excuse me " said Holmes blandly , " but I could not help +overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now . +I think that I could be of assistance to you " + +" You ? Who are you ? How could you know anything of the matter " + +" My name is Sherlock Holmes . It is my business to know what other +people don't know " + +" But you can know nothing of this " + +" Excuse me , I know everything of it . You are endeavouring to +trace some geese which were sold by Mrs . Oakshott , of Brixton +Road , to a salesman named Breckinridge , by him in turn to Mr . +Windigate , of the Alpha , and by him to his club , of which Mr . +Henry Baker is a member " + +" Oh , sir , you are the very man whom I have longed to meet " cried +the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers . +" I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter " + +Sherlock Holmes hailed a four - wheeler which was passing . " In that +case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this +wind - swept market - place " said he . " But pray tell me , before we +go farther , who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting " + +The man hesitated for an instant . " My name is John Robinson " he +answered with a sidelong glance . + +" No , no ; the real name " said Holmes sweetly . " It is always +awkward doing business with an alias " + +A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger . " Well then " +said he , " my real name is James Ryder " + +" Precisely so . Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan . Pray +step into the cab , and I shall soon be able to tell you +everything which you would wish to know " + +The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with +half - frightened , half - hopeful eyes , as one who is not sure +whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe . +Then he stepped into the cab , and in half an hour we were back in +the sitting - room at Baker Street . Nothing had been said during +our drive , but the high , thin breathing of our new companion , and +the claspings and unclaspings of his hands , spoke of the nervous +tension within him . + +" Here we are " said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room . +" The fire looks very seasonable in this weather . You look cold , +Mr . Ryder . Pray take the basket - chair . I will just put on my +slippers before we settle this little matter of yours . Now , then ! +You want to know what became of those geese " + +" Yes , sir " + +" Or rather , I fancy , of that goose . It was one bird , I imagine in +which you were interested - white , with a black bar across the +tail " + +Ryder quivered with emotion . " Oh , sir " he cried , " can you tell +me where it went to " + +" It came here " + +" Here " + +" Yes , and a most remarkable bird it proved . I don't wonder that +you should take an interest in it . It laid an egg after it was +dead - the bonniest , brightest little blue egg that ever was seen . +I have it here in my museum " + +Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece +with his right hand . Holmes unlocked his strong - box and held up +the blue carbuncle , which shone out like a star , with a cold , +brilliant , many - pointed radiance . Ryder stood glaring with a +drawn face , uncertain whether to claim or to disown it . + +" The game's up , Ryder " said Holmes quietly . " Hold up , man , or +you ' ll be into the fire ! Give him an arm back into his chair , +Watson . He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with +impunity . Give him a dash of brandy . So ! Now he looks a little +more human . What a shrimp it is , to be sure " + +For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen , but the brandy +brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks , and he sat staring +with frightened eyes at his accuser . + +" I have almost every link in my hands , and all the proofs which I +could possibly need , so there is little which you need tell me . +Still , that little may as well be cleared up to make the case +complete . You had heard , Ryder , of this blue stone of the +Countess of Morcar's " + +" It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it " said he in a +crackling voice . + +" I see - her ladyship's waiting - maid . Well , the temptation of +sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you , as it has +been for better men before you ; but you were not very scrupulous +in the means you used . It seems to me , Ryder , that there is the +making of a very pretty villain in you . You knew that this man +Horner , the plumber , had been concerned in some such matter +before , and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him . +What did you do , then ? You made some small job in my lady's +room - you and your confederate Cusack - and you managed that he +should be the man sent for . Then , when he had left , you rifled +the jewel - case , raised the alarm , and had this unfortunate man +arrested . You then -" + +Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my +companion's knees . " For God's sake , have mercy " he shrieked . +" Think of my father ! Of my mother ! It would break their hearts . I +never went wrong before ! I never will again . I swear it . I ' ll +swear it on a Bible . Oh , don't bring it into court ! For Christ's +sake , don't " + +" Get back into your chair " said Holmes sternly . " It is very well +to cringe and crawl now , but you thought little enough of this +poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing " + +" I will fly , Mr . Holmes . I will leave the country , sir . Then the +charge against him will break down " + +" Hum ! We will talk about that . And now let us hear a true account +of the next act . How came the stone into the goose , and how came +the goose into the open market ? Tell us the truth , for there lies +your only hope of safety " + +Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips . " I will tell you +it just as it happened , sir " said he . " When Horner had been +arrested , it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get +away with the stone at once , for I did not know at what moment +the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my +room . There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe . +I went out , as if on some commission , and I made for my sister's +house . She had married a man named Oakshott , and lived in Brixton +Road , where she fattened fowls for the market . All the way there +every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective ; +and , for all that it was a cold night , the sweat was pouring down +my face before I came to the Brixton Road . My sister asked me +what was the matter , and why I was so pale ; but I told her that I +had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel . Then I went +into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would +be best to do . + +" I had a friend once called Maudsley , who went to the bad , and +has just been serving his time in Pentonville . One day he had met +me , and fell into talk about the ways of thieves , and how they +could get rid of what they stole . I knew that he would be true to +me , for I knew one or two things about him ; so I made up my mind +to go right on to Kilburn , where he lived , and take him into my +confidence . He would show me how to turn the stone into money . +But how to get to him in safety ? I thought of the agonies I had +gone through in coming from the hotel . I might at any moment be +seized and searched , and there would be the stone in my waistcoat +pocket . I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at +the geese which were waddling about round my feet , and suddenly +an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the +best detective that ever lived . + +" My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the +pick of her geese for a Christmas present , and I knew that she +was always as good as her word . I would take my goose now , and in +it I would carry my stone to Kilburn . There was a little shed in +the yard , and behind this I drove one of the birds - a fine big +one , white , with a barred tail . I caught it , and prying its bill +open , I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger +could reach . The bird gave a gulp , and I felt the stone pass +along its gullet and down into its crop . But the creature flapped +and struggled , and out came my sister to know what was the +matter . As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and +fluttered off among the others . + + ' Whatever were you doing with that bird , Jem ' says she . + + ' Well ' said I , ' you said you ' d give me one for Christmas , and I +was feeling which was the fattest ' + + ' Oh ' says she , ' we ' ve set yours aside for you - Jem's bird , we +call it . It's the big white one over yonder . There's twenty - six +of them , which makes one for you , and one for us , and two dozen +for the market ' + + ' Thank you , Maggie ' says I ; ' but if it is all the same to you , +I ' d rather have that one I was handling just now ' + + ' The other is a good three pound heavier ' said she , ' and we +fattened it expressly for you ' + + ' Never mind . I ' ll have the other , and I ' ll take it now ' said I . + + ' Oh , just as you like ' said she , a little huffed . ' Which is it +you want , then ' + + ' That white one with the barred tail , right in the middle of the +flock ' + + ' Oh , very well . Kill it and take it with you ' + +" Well , I did what she said , Mr . Holmes , and I carried the bird +all the way to Kilburn . I told my pal what I had done , for he was +a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to . He laughed +until he choked , and we got a knife and opened the goose . My +heart turned to water , for there was no sign of the stone , and I +knew that some terrible mistake had occurred . I left the bird , +rushed back to my sister's , and hurried into the back yard . There +was not a bird to be seen there . + + ' Where are they all , Maggie ' I cried . + + ' Gone to the dealer's , Jem ' + + ' Which dealer's ' + + ' Breckinridge , of Covent Garden ' + + ' But was there another with a barred tail ' I asked , ' the same +as the one I chose ' + + ' Yes , Jem ; there were two barred - tailed ones , and I could never +tell them apart ' + +" Well , then , of course I saw it all , and I ran off as hard as my +feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge ; but he had sold the +lot at once , and not one word would he tell me as to where they +had gone . You heard him yourselves to - night . Well , he has always +answered me like that . My sister thinks that I am going mad . +Sometimes I think that I am myself . And now - and now I am myself +a branded thief , without ever having touched the wealth for which +I sold my character . God help me ! God help me " He burst into +convulsive sobbing , with his face buried in his hands . + +There was a long silence , broken only by his heavy breathing and +by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes ' finger - tips upon the +edge of the table . Then my friend rose and threw open the door . + +" Get out " said he . + +" What , sir ! Oh , Heaven bless you " + +" No more words . Get out " + +And no more words were needed . There was a rush , a clatter upon +the stairs , the bang of a door , and the crisp rattle of running +footfalls from the street . + +" After all , Watson " said Holmes , reaching up his hand for his +clay pipe , " I am not retained by the police to supply their +deficiencies . If Horner were in danger it would be another thing ; +but this fellow will not appear against him , and the case must +collapse . I suppose that I am commuting a felony , but it is just +possible that I am saving a soul . This fellow will not go wrong +again ; he is too terribly frightened . Send him to gaol now , and +you make him a gaol - bird for life . Besides , it is the season of +forgiveness . Chance has put in our way a most singular and +whimsical problem , and its solution is its own reward . If you +will have the goodness to touch the bell , Doctor , we will begin +another investigation , in which , also a bird will be the chief +feature " + + + +VIII . THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND + +On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I +have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend +Sherlock Holmes , I find many tragic , some comic , a large number +merely strange , but none commonplace ; for , working as he did +rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of +wealth , he refused to associate himself with any investigation +which did not tend towards the unusual , and even the fantastic . +Of all these varied cases , however , I cannot recall any which +presented more singular features than that which was associated +with the well - known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran . +The events in question occurred in the early days of my +association with Holmes , when we were sharing rooms as bachelors +in Baker Street . It is possible that I might have placed them +upon record before , but a promise of secrecy was made at the +time , from which I have only been freed during the last month by +the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given . It +is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light , for I +have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the +death of Dr . Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even +more terrible than the truth . + +It was early in April in the year ' 83 that I woke one morning to +find Sherlock Holmes standing , fully dressed , by the side of my +bed . He was a late riser , as a rule , and as the clock on the +mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter - past seven , I +blinked up at him in some surprise , and perhaps just a little +resentment , for I was myself regular in my habits . + +" Very sorry to knock you up , Watson " said he , " but it's the +common lot this morning . Mrs . Hudson has been knocked up , she +retorted upon me , and I on you " + +" What is it , then - a fire " + +" No ; a client . It seems that a young lady has arrived in a +considerable state of excitement , who insists upon seeing me . She +is waiting now in the sitting - room . Now , when young ladies wander +about the metropolis at this hour of the morning , and knock +sleepy people up out of their beds , I presume that it is +something very pressing which they have to communicate . Should it +prove to be an interesting case , you would , I am sure , wish to +follow it from the outset . I thought , at any rate , that I should +call you and give you the chance " + +" My dear fellow , I would not miss it for anything " + +I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his +professional investigations , and in admiring the rapid +deductions , as swift as intuitions , and yet always founded on a +logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were +submitted to him . I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in +a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting - room . A +lady dressed in black and heavily veiled , who had been sitting in +the window , rose as we entered . + +" Good - morning , madam " said Holmes cheerily . " My name is Sherlock +Holmes . This is my intimate friend and associate , Dr . Watson , +before whom you can speak as freely as before myself . Ha ! I am +glad to see that Mrs . Hudson has had the good sense to light the +fire . Pray draw up to it , and I shall order you a cup of hot +coffee , for I observe that you are shivering " + +" It is not cold which makes me shiver " said the woman in a low +voice , changing her seat as requested . + +" What , then " + +" It is fear , Mr . Holmes . It is terror " She raised her veil as +she spoke , and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable +state of agitation , her face all drawn and grey , with restless +frightened eyes , like those of some hunted animal . Her features +and figure were those of a woman of thirty , but her hair was shot +with premature grey , and her expression was weary and haggard . +Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick , +all - comprehensive glances . + +" You must not fear " said he soothingly , bending forward and +patting her forearm . " We shall soon set matters right , I have no +doubt . You have come in by train this morning , I see " + +" You know me , then " + +" No , but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm +of your left glove . You must have started early , and yet you had +a good drive in a dog - cart , along heavy roads , before you reached +the station " + +The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my +companion . + +" There is no mystery , my dear madam " said he , smiling . " The left +arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven +places . The marks are perfectly fresh . There is no vehicle save a +dog - cart which throws up mud in that way , and then only when you +sit on the left - hand side of the driver " + +" Whatever your reasons may be , you are perfectly correct " said +she . " I started from home before six , reached Leatherhead at +twenty past , and came in by the first train to Waterloo . Sir , I +can stand this strain no longer ; I shall go mad if it continues . +I have no one to turn to - none , save only one , who cares for me , +and he , poor fellow , can be of little aid . I have heard of you , +Mr . Holmes ; I have heard of you from Mrs . Farintosh , whom you +helped in the hour of her sore need . It was from her that I had +your address . Oh , sir , do you not think that you could help me , +too , and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness +which surrounds me ? At present it is out of my power to reward +you for your services , but in a month or six weeks I shall be +married , with the control of my own income , and then at least you +shall not find me ungrateful " + +Holmes turned to his desk and , unlocking it , drew out a small +case - book , which he consulted . + +" Farintosh " said he . " Ah yes , I recall the case ; it was +concerned with an opal tiara . I think it was before your time , +Watson . I can only say , madam , that I shall be happy to devote +the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend . As to +reward , my profession is its own reward ; but you are at liberty +to defray whatever expenses I may be put to , at the time which +suits you best . And now I beg that you will lay before us +everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the +matter " + +" Alas " replied our visitor , " the very horror of my situation +lies in the fact that my fears are so vague , and my suspicions +depend so entirely upon small points , which might seem trivial to +another , that even he to whom of all others I have a right to +look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it +as the fancies of a nervous woman . He does not say so , but I can +read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes . But I have +heard , Mr . Holmes , that you can see deeply into the manifold +wickedness of the human heart . You may advise me how to walk amid +the dangers which encompass me " + +" I am all attention , madam " + +" My name is Helen Stoner , and I am living with my stepfather , who +is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in +England , the Roylotts of Stoke Moran , on the western border of +Surrey " + +Holmes nodded his head . " The name is familiar to me " said he . + +" The family was at one time among the richest in England , and the +estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north , +and Hampshire in the west . In the last century , however , four +successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition , +and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the +days of the Regency . Nothing was left save a few acres of ground , +and the two - hundred - year - old house , which is itself crushed under +a heavy mortgage . The last squire dragged out his existence +there , living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper ; but +his only son , my stepfather , seeing that he must adapt himself to +the new conditions , obtained an advance from a relative , which +enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta , +where , by his professional skill and his force of character , he +established a large practice . In a fit of anger , however , caused +by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house , he +beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital +sentence . As it was , he suffered a long term of imprisonment and +afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man . + +" When Dr . Roylott was in India he married my mother , Mrs . Stoner , +the young widow of Major - General Stoner , of the Bengal Artillery . +My sister Julia and I were twins , and we were only two years old +at the time of my mother's re - marriage . She had a considerable +sum of money - not less than 1000 pounds a year - and this she +bequeathed to Dr . Roylott entirely while we resided with him , +with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to +each of us in the event of our marriage . Shortly after our return +to England my mother died - she was killed eight years ago in a +railway accident near Crewe . Dr . Roylott then abandoned his +attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us +to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran . The +money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants , and +there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness . + +" But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time . +Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our +neighbours , who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of +Stoke Moran back in the old family seat , he shut himself up in +his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious +quarrels with whoever might cross his path . Violence of temper +approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the +family , and in my stepfather's case it had , I believe , been +intensified by his long residence in the tropics . A series of +disgraceful brawls took place , two of which ended in the +police - court , until at last he became the terror of the village , +and the folks would fly at his approach , for he is a man of +immense strength , and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger . + +" Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a +stream , and it was only by paying over all the money which I +could gather together that I was able to avert another public +exposure . He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies , +and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few +acres of bramble - covered land which represent the family estate , +and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents , +wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end . He has a +passion also for Indian animals , which are sent over to him by a +correspondent , and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon , +which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the +villagers almost as much as their master . + +" You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I +had no great pleasure in our lives . No servant would stay with +us , and for a long time we did all the work of the house . She was +but thirty at the time of her death , and yet her hair had already +begun to whiten , even as mine has " + +" Your sister is dead , then " + +" She died just two years ago , and it is of her death that I wish +to speak to you . You can understand that , living the life which I +have described , we were little likely to see anyone of our own +age and position . We had , however , an aunt , my mother's maiden +sister , Miss Honoria Westphail , who lives near Harrow , and we +were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's +house . Julia went there at Christmas two years ago , and met there +a half - pay major of marines , to whom she became engaged . My +stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and +offered no objection to the marriage ; but within a fortnight of +the day which had been fixed for the wedding , the terrible event +occurred which has deprived me of my only companion " + +Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes +closed and his head sunk in a cushion , but he half opened his +lids now and glanced across at his visitor . + +" Pray be precise as to details " said he . + +" It is easy for me to be so , for every event of that dreadful +time is seared into my memory . The manor - house is , as I have +already said , very old , and only one wing is now inhabited . The +bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor , the sitting - rooms +being in the central block of the buildings . Of these bedrooms +the first is Dr . Roylott's , the second my sister's , and the third +my own . There is no communication between them , but they all open +out into the same corridor . Do I make myself plain " + +" Perfectly so " + +" The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn . That +fatal night Dr . Roylott had gone to his room early , though we +knew that he had not retired to rest , for my sister was troubled +by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom +to smoke . She left her room , therefore , and came into mine , where +she sat for some time , chatting about her approaching wedding . At +eleven o'clock she rose to leave me , but she paused at the door +and looked back . + + ' Tell me , Helen ' said she , ' have you ever heard anyone whistle +in the dead of the night ' + + ' Never ' said I . + + ' I suppose that you could not possibly whistle , yourself , in +your sleep ' + + ' Certainly not . But why ' + + ' Because during the last few nights I have always , about three +in the morning , heard a low , clear whistle . I am a light sleeper , +and it has awakened me . I cannot tell where it came from - perhaps +from the next room , perhaps from the lawn . I thought that I would +just ask you whether you had heard it ' + + ' No , I have not . It must be those wretched gipsies in the +plantation ' + + ' Very likely . And yet if it were on the lawn , I wonder that you +did not hear it also ' + + ' Ah , but I sleep more heavily than you ' + + ' Well , it is of no great consequence , at any rate ' She smiled +back at me , closed my door , and a few moments later I heard her +key turn in the lock " + +" Indeed " said Holmes . " Was it your custom always to lock +yourselves in at night " + +" Always " + +" And why " + +" I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah +and a baboon . We had no feeling of security unless our doors were +locked " + +" Quite so . Pray proceed with your statement " + +" I could not sleep that night . A vague feeling of impending +misfortune impressed me . My sister and I , you will recollect , +were twins , and you know how subtle are the links which bind two +souls which are so closely allied . It was a wild night . The wind +was howling outside , and the rain was beating and splashing +against the windows . Suddenly , amid all the hubbub of the gale , +there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman . I knew +that it was my sister's voice . I sprang from my bed , wrapped a +shawl round me , and rushed into the corridor . As I opened my door +I seemed to hear a low whistle , such as my sister described , and +a few moments later a clanging sound , as if a mass of metal had +fallen . As I ran down the passage , my sister's door was unlocked , +and revolved slowly upon its hinges . I stared at it +horror - stricken , not knowing what was about to issue from it . By +the light of the corridor - lamp I saw my sister appear at the +opening , her face blanched with terror , her hands groping for +help , her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a +drunkard . I ran to her and threw my arms round her , but at that +moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground . +She writhed as one who is in terrible pain , and her limbs were +dreadfully convulsed . At first I thought that she had not +recognised me , but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out +in a voice which I shall never forget , ' Oh , my God ! Helen ! It was +the band ! The speckled band ' There was something else which she +would fain have said , and she stabbed with her finger into the +air in the direction of the doctor's room , but a fresh convulsion +seized her and choked her words . I rushed out , calling loudly for +my stepfather , and I met him hastening from his room in his +dressing - gown . When he reached my sister's side she was +unconscious , and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent +for medical aid from the village , all efforts were in vain , for +she slowly sank and died without having recovered her +consciousness . Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister " + +" One moment " said Holmes , " are you sure about this whistle and +metallic sound ? Could you swear to it " + +" That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry . It is +my strong impression that I heard it , and yet , among the crash of +the gale and the creaking of an old house , I may possibly have +been deceived " + +" Was your sister dressed " + +" No , she was in her night - dress . In her right hand was found the +charred stump of a match , and in her left a match - box " + +" Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when +the alarm took place . That is important . And what conclusions did +the coroner come to " + +" He investigated the case with great care , for Dr . Roylott's +conduct had long been notorious in the county , but he was unable +to find any satisfactory cause of death . My evidence showed that +the door had been fastened upon the inner side , and the windows +were blocked by old - fashioned shutters with broad iron bars , +which were secured every night . The walls were carefully sounded , +and were shown to be quite solid all round , and the flooring was +also thoroughly examined , with the same result . The chimney is +wide , but is barred up by four large staples . It is certain , +therefore , that my sister was quite alone when she met her end . +Besides , there were no marks of any violence upon her " + +" How about poison " + +" The doctors examined her for it , but without success " + +" What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of , then " + +" It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock , +though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine " + +" Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time " + +" Yes , there are nearly always some there " + +" Ah , and what did you gather from this allusion to a band - a +speckled band " + +" Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of +delirium , sometimes that it may have referred to some band of +people , perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation . I do not +know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear +over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which +she used " + +Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied . + +" These are very deep waters " said he ; " pray go on with your +narrative " + +" Two years have passed since then , and my life has been until +lately lonelier than ever . A month ago , however , a dear friend , +whom I have known for many years , has done me the honour to ask +my hand in marriage . His name is Armitage - Percy Armitage - the +second son of Mr . Armitage , of Crane Water , near Reading . My +stepfather has offered no opposition to the match , and we are to +be married in the course of the spring . Two days ago some repairs +were started in the west wing of the building , and my bedroom +wall has been pierced , so that I have had to move into the +chamber in which my sister died , and to sleep in the very bed in +which she slept . Imagine , then , my thrill of terror when last +night , as I lay awake , thinking over her terrible fate , I +suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which +had been the herald of her own death . I sprang up and lit the +lamp , but nothing was to be seen in the room . I was too shaken to +go to bed again , however , so I dressed , and as soon as it was +daylight I slipped down , got a dog - cart at the Crown Inn , which +is opposite , and drove to Leatherhead , from whence I have come on +this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your +advice " + +" You have done wisely " said my friend . " But have you told me +all " + +" Yes , all " + +" Miss Roylott , you have not . You are screening your stepfather " + +" Why , what do you mean " + +For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which +fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee . Five little +livid spots , the marks of four fingers and a thumb , were printed +upon the white wrist . + +" You have been cruelly used " said Holmes . + +The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist . " He +is a hard man " she said , " and perhaps he hardly knows his own +strength " + +There was a long silence , during which Holmes leaned his chin +upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire . + +" This is a very deep business " he said at last . " There are a +thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide +upon our course of action . Yet we have not a moment to lose . If +we were to come to Stoke Moran to - day , would it be possible for +us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your +stepfather " + +" As it happens , he spoke of coming into town to - day upon some +most important business . It is probable that he will be away all +day , and that there would be nothing to disturb you . We have a +housekeeper now , but she is old and foolish , and I could easily +get her out of the way " + +" Excellent . You are not averse to this trip , Watson " + +" By no means " + +" Then we shall both come . What are you going to do yourself " + +" I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am +in town . But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train , so as to +be there in time for your coming " + +" And you may expect us early in the afternoon . I have myself some +small business matters to attend to . Will you not wait and +breakfast " + +" No , I must go . My heart is lightened already since I have +confided my trouble to you . I shall look forward to seeing you +again this afternoon " She dropped her thick black veil over her +face and glided from the room . + +" And what do you think of it all , Watson " asked Sherlock Holmes , +leaning back in his chair . + +" It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business " + +" Dark enough and sinister enough " + +" Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls +are sound , and that the door , window , and chimney are impassable , +then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her +mysterious end " + +" What becomes , then , of these nocturnal whistles , and what of the +very peculiar words of the dying woman " + +" I cannot think " + +" When you combine the ideas of whistles at night , the presence of +a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor , +the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has +an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage , the dying +allusion to a band , and , finally , the fact that Miss Helen Stoner +heard a metallic clang , which might have been caused by one of +those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its +place , I think that there is good ground to think that the +mystery may be cleared along those lines " + +" But what , then , did the gipsies do " + +" I cannot imagine " + +" I see many objections to any such theory " + +" And so do I . It is precisely for that reason that we are going +to Stoke Moran this day . I want to see whether the objections are +fatal , or if they may be explained away . But what in the name of +the devil " + +The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that +our door had been suddenly dashed open , and that a huge man had +framed himself in the aperture . His costume was a peculiar +mixture of the professional and of the agricultural , having a +black top - hat , a long frock - coat , and a pair of high gaiters , +with a hunting - crop swinging in his hand . So tall was he that his +hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway , and his +breadth seemed to span it across from side to side . A large face , +seared with a thousand wrinkles , burned yellow with the sun , and +marked with every evil passion , was turned from one to the other +of us , while his deep - set , bile - shot eyes , and his high , thin , +fleshless nose , gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old +bird of prey . + +" Which of you is Holmes " asked this apparition . + +" My name , sir ; but you have the advantage of me " said my +companion quietly . + +" I am Dr . Grimesby Roylott , of Stoke Moran " + +" Indeed , Doctor " said Holmes blandly . " Pray take a seat " + +" I will do nothing of the kind . My stepdaughter has been here . I +have traced her . What has she been saying to you " + +" It is a little cold for the time of the year " said Holmes . + +" What has she been saying to you " screamed the old man +furiously . + +" But I have heard that the crocuses promise well " continued my +companion imperturbably . + +" Ha ! You put me off , do you " said our new visitor , taking a step +forward and shaking his hunting - crop . " I know you , you scoundrel ! +I have heard of you before . You are Holmes , the meddler " + +My friend smiled . + +" Holmes , the busybody " + +His smile broadened . + +" Holmes , the Scotland Yard Jack - in - office " + +Holmes chuckled heartily . " Your conversation is most +entertaining " said he . " When you go out close the door , for +there is a decided draught " + +" I will go when I have said my say . Don't you dare to meddle with +my affairs . I know that Miss Stoner has been here . I traced her ! +I am a dangerous man to fall foul of ! See here " He stepped +swiftly forward , seized the poker , and bent it into a curve with +his huge brown hands . + +" See that you keep yourself out of my grip " he snarled , and +hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the +room . + +" He seems a very amiable person " said Holmes , laughing . " I am +not quite so bulky , but if he had remained I might have shown him +that my grip was not much more feeble than his own " As he spoke +he picked up the steel poker and , with a sudden effort , +straightened it out again . + +" Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official +detective force ! This incident gives zest to our investigation , +however , and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer +from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her . And now , +Watson , we shall order breakfast , and afterwards I shall walk +down to Doctors ' Commons , where I hope to get some data which may +help us in this matter " + + +It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his +excursion . He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper , scrawled +over with notes and figures . + +" I have seen the will of the deceased wife " said he . " To +determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the +present prices of the investments with which it is concerned . The +total income , which at the time of the wife's death was little +short of 1100 pounds , is now , through the fall in agricultural +prices , not more than 750 pounds . Each daughter can claim an +income of 250 pounds , in case of marriage . It is evident , +therefore , that if both girls had married , this beauty would have +had a mere pittance , while even one of them would cripple him to +a very serious extent . My morning's work has not been wasted , +since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for +standing in the way of anything of the sort . And now , Watson , +this is too serious for dawdling , especially as the old man is +aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs ; so if you +are ready , we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo . I should be +very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your +pocket . An Eley's No . 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen +who can twist steel pokers into knots . That and a tooth - brush +are , I think , all that we need " + +At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for +Leatherhead , where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove +for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes . It was a +perfect day , with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the +heavens . The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out +their first green shoots , and the air was full of the pleasant +smell of the moist earth . To me at least there was a strange +contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this +sinister quest upon which we were engaged . My companion sat in +the front of the trap , his arms folded , his hat pulled down over +his eyes , and his chin sunk upon his breast , buried in the +deepest thought . Suddenly , however , he started , tapped me on the +shoulder , and pointed over the meadows . + +" Look there " said he . + +A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope , +thickening into a grove at the highest point . From amid the +branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof - tree of a +very old mansion . + +" Stoke Moran " said he . + +" Yes , sir , that be the house of Dr . Grimesby Roylott " remarked +the driver . + +" There is some building going on there " said Holmes ; " that is +where we are going " + +" There's the village " said the driver , pointing to a cluster of +roofs some distance to the left ; " but if you want to get to the +house , you ' ll find it shorter to get over this stile , and so by +the foot - path over the fields . There it is , where the lady is +walking " + +" And the lady , I fancy , is Miss Stoner " observed Holmes , shading +his eyes . " Yes , I think we had better do as you suggest " + +We got off , paid our fare , and the trap rattled back on its way +to Leatherhead . + +" I thought it as well " said Holmes as we climbed the stile , +" that this fellow should think we had come here as architects , or +on some definite business . It may stop his gossip . +Good - afternoon , Miss Stoner . You see that we have been as good as +our word " + +Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a +face which spoke her joy . " I have been waiting so eagerly for +you " she cried , shaking hands with us warmly . " All has turned +out splendidly . Dr . Roylott has gone to town , and it is unlikely +that he will be back before evening " + +" We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance " +said Holmes , and in a few words he sketched out what had +occurred . Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened . + +" Good heavens " she cried , " he has followed me , then " + +" So it appears " + +" He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him . What +will he say when he returns " + +" He must guard himself , for he may find that there is someone +more cunning than himself upon his track . You must lock yourself +up from him to - night . If he is violent , we shall take you away to +your aunt's at Harrow . Now , we must make the best use of our +time , so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to +examine " + +The building was of grey , lichen - blotched stone , with a high +central portion and two curving wings , like the claws of a crab , +thrown out on each side . In one of these wings the windows were +broken and blocked with wooden boards , while the roof was partly +caved in , a picture of ruin . The central portion was in little +better repair , but the right - hand block was comparatively modern , +and the blinds in the windows , with the blue smoke curling up +from the chimneys , showed that this was where the family resided . +Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall , and the +stone - work had been broken into , but there were no signs of any +workmen at the moment of our visit . Holmes walked slowly up and +down the ill - trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the +outsides of the windows . + +" This , I take it , belongs to the room in which you used to sleep , +the centre one to your sister's , and the one next to the main +building to Dr . Roylott's chamber " + +" Exactly so . But I am now sleeping in the middle one " + +" Pending the alterations , as I understand . By the way , there does +not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end +wall " + +" There were none . I believe that it was an excuse to move me from +my room " + +" Ah ! that is suggestive . Now , on the other side of this narrow +wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open . There +are windows in it , of course " + +" Yes , but very small ones . Too narrow for anyone to pass +through " + +" As you both locked your doors at night , your rooms were +unapproachable from that side . Now , would you have the kindness +to go into your room and bar your shutters " + +Miss Stoner did so , and Holmes , after a careful examination +through the open window , endeavoured in every way to force the +shutter open , but without success . There was no slit through +which a knife could be passed to raise the bar . Then with his +lens he tested the hinges , but they were of solid iron , built +firmly into the massive masonry . " Hum " said he , scratching his +chin in some perplexity , " my theory certainly presents some +difficulties . No one could pass these shutters if they were +bolted . Well , we shall see if the inside throws any light upon +the matter " + +A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which +the three bedrooms opened . Holmes refused to examine the third +chamber , so we passed at once to the second , that in which Miss +Stoner was now sleeping , and in which her sister had met with her +fate . It was a homely little room , with a low ceiling and a +gaping fireplace , after the fashion of old country - houses . A +brown chest of drawers stood in one corner , a narrow +white - counterpaned bed in another , and a dressing - table on the +left - hand side of the window . These articles , with two small +wicker - work chairs , made up all the furniture in the room save +for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre . The boards round and +the panelling of the walls were of brown , worm - eaten oak , so old +and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building +of the house . Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat +silent , while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down , +taking in every detail of the apartment . + +" Where does that bell communicate with " he asked at last +pointing to a thick bell - rope which hung down beside the bed , the +tassel actually lying upon the pillow . + +" It goes to the housekeeper's room " + +" It looks newer than the other things " + +" Yes , it was only put there a couple of years ago " + +" Your sister asked for it , I suppose " + +" No , I never heard of her using it . We used always to get what we +wanted for ourselves " + +" Indeed , it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell - pull there . +You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to +this floor " He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in +his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward , examining +minutely the cracks between the boards . Then he did the same with +the wood - work with which the chamber was panelled . Finally he +walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and +in running his eye up and down the wall . Finally he took the +bell - rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug . + +" Why , it's a dummy " said he . + +" Won't it ring " + +" No , it is not even attached to a wire . This is very interesting . +You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where +the little opening for the ventilator is " + +" How very absurd ! I never noticed that before " + +" Very strange " muttered Holmes , pulling at the rope . " There are +one or two very singular points about this room . For example , +what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another +room , when , with the same trouble , he might have communicated +with the outside air " + +" That is also quite modern " said the lady . + +" Done about the same time as the bell - rope " remarked Holmes . + +" Yes , there were several little changes carried out about that +time " + +" They seem to have been of a most interesting character - dummy +bell - ropes , and ventilators which do not ventilate . With your +permission , Miss Stoner , we shall now carry our researches into +the inner apartment " + +Dr . Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his +step - daughter , but was as plainly furnished . A camp - bed , a small +wooden shelf full of books , mostly of a technical character , an +armchair beside the bed , a plain wooden chair against the wall , a +round table , and a large iron safe were the principal things +which met the eye . Holmes walked slowly round and examined each +and all of them with the keenest interest . + +" What's in here " he asked , tapping the safe . + +" My stepfather's business papers " + +" Oh ! you have seen inside , then " + +" Only once , some years ago . I remember that it was full of +papers " + +" There isn't a cat in it , for example " + +" No . What a strange idea " + +" Well , look at this " He took up a small saucer of milk which +stood on the top of it . + +" No ; we don't keep a cat . But there is a cheetah and a baboon " + +" Ah , yes , of course ! Well , a cheetah is just a big cat , and yet a +saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants , I +daresay . There is one point which I should wish to determine " He +squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat +of it with the greatest attention . + +" Thank you . That is quite settled " said he , rising and putting +his lens in his pocket . " Hullo ! Here is something interesting " + +The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on +one corner of the bed . The lash , however , was curled upon itself +and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord . + +" What do you make of that , Watson " + +" It's a common enough lash . But I don't know why it should be +tied " + +" That is not quite so common , is it ? Ah , me ! it's a wicked world , +and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst +of all . I think that I have seen enough now , Miss Stoner , and +with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn " + +I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as +it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation . We +had walked several times up and down the lawn , neither Miss +Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he +roused himself from his reverie . + +" It is very essential , Miss Stoner " said he , " that you should +absolutely follow my advice in every respect " + +" I shall most certainly do so " + +" The matter is too serious for any hesitation . Your life may +depend upon your compliance " + +" I assure you that I am in your hands " + +" In the first place , both my friend and I must spend the night in +your room " + +Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment . + +" Yes , it must be so . Let me explain . I believe that that is the +village inn over there " + +" Yes , that is the Crown " + +" Very good . Your windows would be visible from there " + +" Certainly " + +" You must confine yourself to your room , on pretence of a +headache , when your stepfather comes back . Then when you hear him +retire for the night , you must open the shutters of your window , +undo the hasp , put your lamp there as a signal to us , and then +withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want +into the room which you used to occupy . I have no doubt that , in +spite of the repairs , you could manage there for one night " + +" Oh , yes , easily " + +" The rest you will leave in our hands " + +" But what will you do " + +" We shall spend the night in your room , and we shall investigate +the cause of this noise which has disturbed you " + +" I believe , Mr . Holmes , that you have already made up your mind " +said Miss Stoner , laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve . + +" Perhaps I have " + +" Then , for pity's sake , tell me what was the cause of my sister's +death " + +" I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak " + +" You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct , and +if she died from some sudden fright " + +" No , I do not think so . I think that there was probably some more +tangible cause . And now , Miss Stoner , we must leave you for if +Dr . Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain . +Good - bye , and be brave , for if you will do what I have told you , +you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers +that threaten you " + +Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and +sitting - room at the Crown Inn . They were on the upper floor , and +from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate , and +of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House . At dusk we saw +Dr . Grimesby Roylott drive past , his huge form looming up beside +the little figure of the lad who drove him . The boy had some +slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates , and we heard +the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which +he shook his clinched fists at him . The trap drove on , and a few +minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as +the lamp was lit in one of the sitting - rooms . + +" Do you know , Watson " said Holmes as we sat together in the +gathering darkness , " I have really some scruples as to taking you +to - night . There is a distinct element of danger " + +" Can I be of assistance " + +" Your presence might be invaluable " + +" Then I shall certainly come " + +" It is very kind of you " + +" You speak of danger . You have evidently seen more in these rooms +than was visible to me " + +" No , but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more . I imagine +that you saw all that I did " + +" I saw nothing remarkable save the bell - rope , and what purpose +that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine " + +" You saw the ventilator , too " + +" Yes , but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to +have a small opening between two rooms . It was so small that a +rat could hardly pass through " + +" I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to +Stoke Moran " + +" My dear Holmes " + +" Oh , yes , I did . You remember in her statement she said that her +sister could smell Dr . Roylott's cigar . Now , of course that +suggested at once that there must be a communication between the +two rooms . It could only be a small one , or it would have been +remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry . I deduced a ventilator " + +" But what harm can there be in that " + +" Well , there is at least a curious coincidence of dates . A +ventilator is made , a cord is hung , and a lady who sleeps in the +bed dies . Does not that strike you " + +" I cannot as yet see any connection " + +" Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed " + +" No " + +" It was clamped to the floor . Did you ever see a bed fastened +like that before " + +" I cannot say that I have " + +" The lady could not move her bed . It must always be in the same +relative position to the ventilator and to the rope - or so we may +call it , since it was clearly never meant for a bell - pull " + +" Holmes " I cried , " I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at . +We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible +crime " + +" Subtle enough and horrible enough . When a doctor does go wrong +he is the first of criminals . He has nerve and he has knowledge . +Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession . +This man strikes even deeper , but I think , Watson , that we shall +be able to strike deeper still . But we shall have horrors enough +before the night is over ; for goodness ' sake let us have a quiet +pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more +cheerful " + + +About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished , +and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House . Two hours +passed slowly away , and then , suddenly , just at the stroke of +eleven , a single bright light shone out right in front of us . + +" That is our signal " said Holmes , springing to his feet ; " it +comes from the middle window " + +As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord , +explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance , +and that it was possible that we might spend the night there . A +moment later we were out on the dark road , a chill wind blowing +in our faces , and one yellow light twinkling in front of us +through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand . + +There was little difficulty in entering the grounds , for +unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall . Making our way +among the trees , we reached the lawn , crossed it , and were about +to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel +bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted +child , who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and +then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness . + +" My God " I whispered ; " did you see it " + +Holmes was for the moment as startled as I . His hand closed like +a vice upon my wrist in his agitation . Then he broke into a low +laugh and put his lips to my ear . + +" It is a nice household " he murmured . " That is the baboon " + +I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected . There +was a cheetah , too ; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders +at any moment . I confess that I felt easier in my mind when , +after following Holmes ' example and slipping off my shoes , I +found myself inside the bedroom . My companion noiselessly closed +the shutters , moved the lamp onto the table , and cast his eyes +round the room . All was as we had seen it in the daytime . Then +creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand , he whispered +into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to +distinguish the words : + +" The least sound would be fatal to our plans " + +I nodded to show that I had heard . + +" We must sit without light . He would see it through the +ventilator " + +I nodded again . + +" Do not go asleep ; your very life may depend upon it . Have your +pistol ready in case we should need it . I will sit on the side of +the bed , and you in that chair " + +I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table . + +Holmes had brought up a long thin cane , and this he placed upon +the bed beside him . By it he laid the box of matches and the +stump of a candle . Then he turned down the lamp , and we were left +in darkness . + +How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil ? I could not hear a +sound , not even the drawing of a breath , and yet I knew that my +companion sat open - eyed , within a few feet of me , in the same +state of nervous tension in which I was myself . The shutters cut +off the least ray of light , and we waited in absolute darkness . + +From outside came the occasional cry of a night - bird , and once at +our very window a long drawn catlike whine , which told us that +the cheetah was indeed at liberty . Far away we could hear the +deep tones of the parish clock , which boomed out every quarter of +an hour . How long they seemed , those quarters ! Twelve struck , and +one and two and three , and still we sat waiting silently for +whatever might befall . + +Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the +direction of the ventilator , which vanished immediately , but was +succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal . +Someone in the next room had lit a dark - lantern . I heard a gentle +sound of movement , and then all was silent once more , though the +smell grew stronger . For half an hour I sat with straining ears . +Then suddenly another sound became audible - a very gentle , +soothing sound , like that of a small jet of steam escaping +continually from a kettle . The instant that we heard it , Holmes +sprang from the bed , struck a match , and lashed furiously with +his cane at the bell - pull . + +" You see it , Watson " he yelled . " You see it " + +But I saw nothing . At the moment when Holmes struck the light I +heard a low , clear whistle , but the sudden glare flashing into my +weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which +my friend lashed so savagely . I could , however , see that his face +was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing . He had +ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when +suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most +horrible cry to which I have ever listened . It swelled up louder +and louder , a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled +in the one dreadful shriek . They say that away down in the +village , and even in the distant parsonage , that cry raised the +sleepers from their beds . It struck cold to our hearts , and I +stood gazing at Holmes , and he at me , until the last echoes of it +had died away into the silence from which it rose . + +" What can it mean " I gasped . + +" It means that it is all over " Holmes answered . " And perhaps , +after all , it is for the best . Take your pistol , and we will +enter Dr . Roylott's room " + +With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the +corridor . Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply +from within . Then he turned the handle and entered , I at his +heels , with the cocked pistol in my hand . + +It was a singular sight which met our eyes . On the table stood a +dark - lantern with the shutter half open , throwing a brilliant +beam of light upon the iron safe , the door of which was ajar . +Beside this table , on the wooden chair , sat Dr . Grimesby Roylott +clad in a long grey dressing - gown , his bare ankles protruding +beneath , and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers . +Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we +had noticed during the day . His chin was cocked upward and his +eyes were fixed in a dreadful , rigid stare at the corner of the +ceiling . Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band , with +brownish speckles , which seemed to be bound tightly round his +head . As we entered he made neither sound nor motion . + +" The band ! the speckled band " whispered Holmes . + +I took a step forward . In an instant his strange headgear began +to move , and there reared itself from among his hair the squat +diamond - shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent . + +" It is a swamp adder " cried Holmes ; " the deadliest snake in +India . He has died within ten seconds of being bitten . Violence +does , in truth , recoil upon the violent , and the schemer falls +into the pit which he digs for another . Let us thrust this +creature back into its den , and we can then remove Miss Stoner to +some place of shelter and let the county police know what has +happened " + +As he spoke he drew the dog - whip swiftly from the dead man's lap , +and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from +its horrid perch and , carrying it at arm's length , threw it into +the iron safe , which he closed upon it . + +Such are the true facts of the death of Dr . Grimesby Roylott , of +Stoke Moran . It is not necessary that I should prolong a +narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling +how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl , how we conveyed +her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow , +of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the +conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly +playing with a dangerous pet . The little which I had yet to learn +of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back +next day . + +" I had " said he , " come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which +shows , my dear Watson , how dangerous it always is to reason from +insufficient data . The presence of the gipsies , and the use of +the word ' band ' which was used by the poor girl , no doubt , to +explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of +by the light of her match , were sufficient to put me upon an +entirely wrong scent . I can only claim the merit that I instantly +reconsidered my position when , however , it became clear to me +that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not +come either from the window or the door . My attention was +speedily drawn , as I have already remarked to you , to this +ventilator , and to the bell - rope which hung down to the bed . The +discovery that this was a dummy , and that the bed was clamped to +the floor , instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was +there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and +coming to the bed . The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me , +and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was +furnished with a supply of creatures from India , I felt that I +was probably on the right track . The idea of using a form of +poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical +test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless +man who had had an Eastern training . The rapidity with which such +a poison would take effect would also , from his point of view , be +an advantage . It would be a sharp - eyed coroner , indeed , who could +distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where +the poison fangs had done their work . Then I thought of the +whistle . Of course he must recall the snake before the morning +light revealed it to the victim . He had trained it , probably by +the use of the milk which we saw , to return to him when summoned . +He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he +thought best , with the certainty that it would crawl down the +rope and land on the bed . It might or might not bite the +occupant , perhaps she might escape every night for a week , but +sooner or later she must fall a victim . + +" I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his +room . An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in +the habit of standing on it , which of course would be necessary +in order that he should reach the ventilator . The sight of the +safe , the saucer of milk , and the loop of whipcord were enough to +finally dispel any doubts which may have remained . The metallic +clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather +hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant . +Having once made up my mind , you know the steps which I took in +order to put the matter to the proof . I heard the creature hiss +as I have no doubt that you did also , and I instantly lit the +light and attacked it " + +" With the result of driving it through the ventilator " + +" And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master +at the other side . Some of the blows of my cane came home and +roused its snakish temper , so that it flew upon the first person +it saw . In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr . +Grimesby Roylott's death , and I cannot say that it is likely to +weigh very heavily upon my conscience " + + + +IX . THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER ' S THUMB + +Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend , Mr . +Sherlock Holmes , for solution during the years of our intimacy , +there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his +notice - that of Mr . Hatherley's thumb , and that of Colonel +Warburton's madness . Of these the latter may have afforded a +finer field for an acute and original observer , but the other was +so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that +it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record , even if it +gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of +reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results . The story +has , I believe , been told more than once in the newspapers , but , +like all such narratives , its effect is much less striking when +set forth en bloc in a single half - column of print than when the +facts slowly evolve before your own eyes , and the mystery clears +gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads +on to the complete truth . At the time the circumstances made a +deep impression upon me , and the lapse of two years has hardly +served to weaken the effect . + +It was in the summer of ' 89 , not long after my marriage , that the +events occurred which I am now about to summarise . I had returned +to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker +Street rooms , although I continually visited him and occasionally +even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come +and visit us . My practice had steadily increased , and as I +happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington +Station , I got a few patients from among the officials . One of +these , whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease , was +never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send +me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence . + +One morning , at a little before seven o'clock , I was awakened by +the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come +from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting - room . I +dressed hurriedly , for I knew by experience that railway cases +were seldom trivial , and hastened downstairs . As I descended , my +old ally , the guard , came out of the room and closed the door +tightly behind him . + +" I ' ve got him here " he whispered , jerking his thumb over his +shoulder ; " he's all right " + +" What is it , then " I asked , for his manner suggested that it was +some strange creature which he had caged up in my room . + +" It's a new patient " he whispered . " I thought I ' d bring him +round myself ; then he couldn't slip away . There he is , all safe +and sound . I must go now , Doctor ; I have my dooties , just the +same as you " And off he went , this trusty tout , without even +giving me time to thank him . + +I entered my consulting - room and found a gentleman seated by the +table . He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a +soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books . Round one of +his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped , which was mottled all +over with bloodstains . He was young , not more than +five - and - twenty , I should say , with a strong , masculine face ; but +he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who +was suffering from some strong agitation , which it took all his +strength of mind to control . + +" I am sorry to knock you up so early , Doctor " said he , " but I +have had a very serious accident during the night . I came in by +train this morning , and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I +might find a doctor , a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me +here . I gave the maid a card , but I see that she has left it upon +the side - table " + +I took it up and glanced at it . " Mr . Victor Hatherley , hydraulic +engineer , 16A , Victoria Street ( 3rd floor ." That was the name , +style , and abode of my morning visitor . " I regret that I have +kept you waiting " said I , sitting down in my library - chair . " You +are fresh from a night journey , I understand , which is in itself +a monotonous occupation " + +" Oh , my night could not be called monotonous " said he , and +laughed . He laughed very heartily , with a high , ringing note , +leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides . All my medical +instincts rose up against that laugh . + +" Stop it " I cried ; " pull yourself together " and I poured out +some water from a caraffe . + +It was useless , however . He was off in one of those hysterical +outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis +is over and gone . Presently he came to himself once more , very +weary and pale - looking . + +" I have been making a fool of myself " he gasped . + +" Not at all . Drink this " I dashed some brandy into the water , +and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks . + +" That's better " said he . " And now , Doctor , perhaps you would +kindly attend to my thumb , or rather to the place where my thumb +used to be " + +He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand . It gave even +my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it . There were four +protruding fingers and a horrid red , spongy surface where the +thumb should have been . It had been hacked or torn right out from +the roots . + +" Good heavens " I cried , " this is a terrible injury . It must have +bled considerably " + +" Yes , it did . I fainted when it was done , and I think that I must +have been senseless for a long time . When I came to I found that +it was still bleeding , so I tied one end of my handkerchief very +tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig " + +" Excellent ! You should have been a surgeon " + +" It is a question of hydraulics , you see , and came within my own +province " + +" This has been done " said I , examining the wound , " by a very +heavy and sharp instrument " + +" A thing like a cleaver " said he . + +" An accident , I presume " + +" By no means " + +" What ! a murderous attack " + +" Very murderous indeed " + +" You horrify me " + +I sponged the wound , cleaned it , dressed it , and finally covered +it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages . He lay back +without wincing , though he bit his lip from time to time . + +" How is that " I asked when I had finished . + +" Capital ! Between your brandy and your bandage , I feel a new man . +I was very weak , but I have had a good deal to go through " + +" Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter . It is evidently +trying to your nerves " + +" Oh , no , not now . I shall have to tell my tale to the police ; +but , between ourselves , if it were not for the convincing +evidence of this wound of mine , I should be surprised if they +believed my statement , for it is a very extraordinary one , and I +have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up ; and , +even if they believe me , the clues which I can give them are so +vague that it is a question whether justice will be done " + +" Ha " cried I , " if it is anything in the nature of a problem +which you desire to see solved , I should strongly recommend you +to come to my friend , Mr . Sherlock Holmes , before you go to the +official police " + +" Oh , I have heard of that fellow " answered my visitor , " and I +should be very glad if he would take the matter up , though of +course I must use the official police as well . Would you give me +an introduction to him " + +" I ' ll do better . I ' ll take you round to him myself " + +" I should be immensely obliged to you " + +" We ' ll call a cab and go together . We shall just be in time to +have a little breakfast with him . Do you feel equal to it " + +" Yes ; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story " + +" Then my servant will call a cab , and I shall be with you in an +instant " I rushed upstairs , explained the matter shortly to my +wife , and in five minutes was inside a hansom , driving with my +new acquaintance to Baker Street . + +Sherlock Holmes was , as I expected , lounging about his +sitting - room in his dressing - gown , reading the agony column of The +Times and smoking his before - breakfast pipe , which was composed +of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day +before , all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the +mantelpiece . He received us in his quietly genial fashion , +ordered fresh rashers and eggs , and joined us in a hearty meal . +When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the +sofa , placed a pillow beneath his head , and laid a glass of +brandy and water within his reach . + +" It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one , +Mr . Hatherley " said he . " Pray , lie down there and make yourself +absolutely at home . Tell us what you can , but stop when you are +tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant " + +" Thank you " said my patient , " but I have felt another man since +the doctor bandaged me , and I think that your breakfast has +completed the cure . I shall take up as little of your valuable +time as possible , so I shall start at once upon my peculiar +experiences " + +Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary , heavy - lidded +expression which veiled his keen and eager nature , while I sat +opposite to him , and we listened in silence to the strange story +which our visitor detailed to us . + +" You must know " said he , " that I am an orphan and a bachelor , +residing alone in lodgings in London . By profession I am a +hydraulic engineer , and I have had considerable experience of my +work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & +Matheson , the well - known firm , of Greenwich . Two years ago , +having served my time , and having also come into a fair sum of +money through my poor father's death , I determined to start in +business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria +Street . + +" I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in +business a dreary experience . To me it has been exceptionally so . +During two years I have had three consultations and one small +job , and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought +me . My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s . Every day , from +nine in the morning until four in the afternoon , I waited in my +little den , until at last my heart began to sink , and I came to +believe that I should never have any practice at all . + +" Yesterday , however , just as I was thinking of leaving the +office , my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who +wished to see me upon business . He brought up a card , too , with +the name of ' Colonel Lysander Stark ' engraved upon it . Close at +his heels came the colonel himself , a man rather over the middle +size , but of an exceeding thinness . I do not think that I have +ever seen so thin a man . His whole face sharpened away into nose +and chin , and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over +his outstanding bones . Yet this emaciation seemed to be his +natural habit , and due to no disease , for his eye was bright , his +step brisk , and his bearing assured . He was plainly but neatly +dressed , and his age , I should judge , would be nearer forty than +thirty . + + ' Mr . Hatherley ' said he , with something of a German accent . +' You have been recommended to me , Mr . Hatherley , as being a man +who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet +and capable of preserving a secret ' + +" I bowed , feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an +address . ' May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character ' + + ' Well , perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just +at this moment . I have it from the same source that you are both +an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London ' + + ' That is quite correct ' I answered ; ' but you will excuse me if +I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional +qualifications . I understand that it was on a professional matter +that you wished to speak to me ' + + ' Undoubtedly so . But you will find that all I say is really to +the point . I have a professional commission for you , but absolute +secrecy is quite essential - absolute secrecy , you understand , and +of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than +from one who lives in the bosom of his family ' + + ' If I promise to keep a secret ' said I , ' you may absolutely +depend upon my doing so ' + +" He looked very hard at me as I spoke , and it seemed to me that I +had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye . + + ' Do you promise , then ' said he at last . + + ' Yes , I promise ' + + ' Absolute and complete silence before , during , and after ? No +reference to the matter at all , either in word or writing ' + + ' I have already given you my word ' + + ' Very good ' He suddenly sprang up , and darting like lightning +across the room he flung open the door . The passage outside was +empty . + + ' That's all right ' said he , coming back . ' I know that clerks are +sometimes curious as to their master's affairs . Now we can talk +in safety ' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to +stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look . + +" A feeling of repulsion , and of something akin to fear had begun +to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man . +Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from +showing my impatience . + + ' I beg that you will state your business , sir ' said I ; ' my time +is of value ' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence , but the +words came to my lips . + + ' How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you ' he asked . + + ' Most admirably ' + + ' I say a night's work , but an hour's would be nearer the mark . I +simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which +has got out of gear . If you show us what is wrong we shall soon +set it right ourselves . What do you think of such a commission as +that ' + + ' The work appears to be light and the pay munificent ' + + ' Precisely so . We shall want you to come to - night by the last +train ' + + ' Where to ' + + ' To Eyford , in Berkshire . It is a little place near the borders +of Oxfordshire , and within seven miles of Reading . There is a +train from Paddington which would bring you there at about +11 : 15 ' + + ' Very good ' + + ' I shall come down in a carriage to meet you ' + + ' There is a drive , then ' + + ' Yes , our little place is quite out in the country . It is a good +seven miles from Eyford Station ' + + ' Then we can hardly get there before midnight . I suppose there +would be no chance of a train back . I should be compelled to stop +the night ' + + ' Yes , we could easily give you a shake - down ' + + ' That is very awkward . Could I not come at some more convenient +hour ' + + ' We have judged it best that you should come late . It is to +recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you , a +young and unknown man , a fee which would buy an opinion from the +very heads of your profession . Still , of course , if you would +like to draw out of the business , there is plenty of time to do +so ' + +" I thought of the fifty guineas , and of how very useful they +would be to me . ' Not at all ' said I , ' I shall be very happy to +accommodate myself to your wishes . I should like , however , to +understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to +do ' + + ' Quite so . It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which +we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity . I +have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all +laid before you . I suppose that we are absolutely safe from +eavesdroppers ' + + ' Entirely ' + + ' Then the matter stands thus . You are probably aware that +fuller's - earth is a valuable product , and that it is only found +in one or two places in England ' + + ' I have heard so ' + + ' Some little time ago I bought a small place - a very small +place - within ten miles of Reading . I was fortunate enough to +discover that there was a deposit of fuller's - earth in one of my +fields . On examining it , however , I found that this deposit was a +comparatively small one , and that it formed a link between two +very much larger ones upon the right and left - both of them , +however , in the grounds of my neighbours . These good people were +absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was +quite as valuable as a gold - mine . Naturally , it was to my +interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value , +but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this . I +took a few of my friends into the secret , however , and they +suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little +deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would +enable us to buy the neighbouring fields . This we have now been +doing for some time , and in order to help us in our operations we +erected a hydraulic press . This press , as I have already +explained , has got out of order , and we wish your advice upon the +subject . We guard our secret very jealously , however , and if it +once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our +little house , it would soon rouse inquiry , and then , if the facts +came out , it would be good - bye to any chance of getting these +fields and carrying out our plans . That is why I have made you +promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are +going to Eyford to - night . I hope that I make it all plain ' + + ' I quite follow you ' said I . ' The only point which I could not +quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press +in excavating fuller's - earth , which , as I understand , is dug out +like gravel from a pit ' + + ' Ah ' said he carelessly , ' we have our own process . We compress +the earth into bricks , so as to remove them without revealing +what they are . But that is a mere detail . I have taken you fully +into my confidence now , Mr . Hatherley , and I have shown you how I +trust you ' He rose as he spoke . ' I shall expect you , then , at +Eyford at 11 : 15 ' + + ' I shall certainly be there ' + + ' And not a word to a soul ' He looked at me with a last long , +questioning gaze , and then , pressing my hand in a cold , dank +grasp , he hurried from the room . + +" Well , when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very +much astonished , as you may both think , at this sudden commission +which had been intrusted to me . On the one hand , of course , I was +glad , for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked +had I set a price upon my own services , and it was possible that +this order might lead to other ones . On the other hand , the face +and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon +me , and I could not think that his explanation of the +fuller's - earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my +coming at midnight , and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell +anyone of my errand . However , I threw all fears to the winds , ate +a hearty supper , drove to Paddington , and started off , having +obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue . + +" At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station . +However , I was in time for the last train to Eyford , and I +reached the little dim - lit station after eleven o'clock . I was the +only passenger who got out there , and there was no one upon the +platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern . As I passed +out through the wicket gate , however , I found my acquaintance of +the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side . Without a +word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage , the door +of which was standing open . He drew up the windows on either +side , tapped on the wood - work , and away we went as fast as the +horse could go " + +" One horse " interjected Holmes . + +" Yes , only one " + +" Did you observe the colour " + +" Yes , I saw it by the side - lights when I was stepping into the +carriage . It was a chestnut " + +" Tired - looking or fresh " + +" Oh , fresh and glossy " + +" Thank you . I am sorry to have interrupted you . Pray continue +your most interesting statement " + +" Away we went then , and we drove for at least an hour . Colonel +Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles , but I +should think , from the rate that we seemed to go , and from the +time that we took , that it must have been nearer twelve . He sat +at my side in silence all the time , and I was aware , more than +once when I glanced in his direction , that he was looking at me +with great intensity . The country roads seem to be not very good +in that part of the world , for we lurched and jolted terribly . I +tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we +were , but they were made of frosted glass , and I could make out +nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light . Now +and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the +journey , but the colonel answered only in monosyllables , and the +conversation soon flagged . At last , however , the bumping of the +road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel - drive , +and the carriage came to a stand . Colonel Lysander Stark sprang +out , and , as I followed after him , pulled me swiftly into a porch +which gaped in front of us . We stepped , as it were , right out of +the carriage and into the hall , so that I failed to catch the +most fleeting glance of the front of the house . The instant that +I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us , +and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage +drove away . + +" It was pitch dark inside the house , and the colonel fumbled +about looking for matches and muttering under his breath . +Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage , and a +long , golden bar of light shot out in our direction . It grew +broader , and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand , which she +held above her head , pushing her face forward and peering at us . +I could see that she was pretty , and from the gloss with which +the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich +material . She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as +though asking a question , and when my companion answered in a +gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly +fell from her hand . Colonel Stark went up to her , whispered +something in her ear , and then , pushing her back into the room +from whence she had come , he walked towards me again with the +lamp in his hand . + + ' Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a +few minutes ' said he , throwing open another door . It was a +quiet , little , plainly furnished room , with a round table in the +centre , on which several German books were scattered . Colonel +Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the +door . ' I shall not keep you waiting an instant ' said he , and +vanished into the darkness . + +" I glanced at the books upon the table , and in spite of my +ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises +on science , the others being volumes of poetry . Then I walked +across to the window , hoping that I might catch some glimpse of +the country - side , but an oak shutter , heavily barred , was folded +across it . It was a wonderfully silent house . There was an old +clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage , but otherwise +everything was deadly still . A vague feeling of uneasiness began +to steal over me . Who were these German people , and what were +they doing living in this strange , out - of - the - way place ? And +where was the place ? I was ten miles or so from Eyford , that was +all I knew , but whether north , south , east , or west I had no +idea . For that matter , Reading , and possibly other large towns , +were within that radius , so the place might not be so secluded , +after all . Yet it was quite certain , from the absolute stillness , +that we were in the country . I paced up and down the room , +humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling +that I was thoroughly earning my fifty - guinea fee . + +" Suddenly , without any preliminary sound in the midst of the +utter stillness , the door of my room swung slowly open . The woman +was standing in the aperture , the darkness of the hall behind +her , the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and +beautiful face . I could see at a glance that she was sick with +fear , and the sight sent a chill to my own heart . She held up one +shaking finger to warn me to be silent , and she shot a few +whispered words of broken English at me , her eyes glancing back , +like those of a frightened horse , into the gloom behind her . + + ' I would go ' said she , trying hard , as it seemed to me , to +speak calmly ; ' I would go . I should not stay here . There is no +good for you to do ' + + ' But , madam ' said I , ' I have not yet done what I came for . I +cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine ' + + ' It is not worth your while to wait ' she went on . ' You can pass +through the door ; no one hinders ' And then , seeing that I smiled +and shook my head , she suddenly threw aside her constraint and +made a step forward , with her hands wrung together . ' For the love +of Heaven ' she whispered , ' get away from here before it is too +late ' + +" But I am somewhat headstrong by nature , and the more ready to +engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way . I +thought of my fifty - guinea fee , of my wearisome journey , and of +the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me . Was it all to +go for nothing ? Why should I slink away without having carried +out my commission , and without the payment which was my due ? This +woman might , for all I knew , be a monomaniac . With a stout +bearing , therefore , though her manner had shaken me more than I +cared to confess , I still shook my head and declared my intention +of remaining where I was . She was about to renew her entreaties +when a door slammed overhead , and the sound of several footsteps +was heard upon the stairs . She listened for an instant , threw up +her hands with a despairing gesture , and vanished as suddenly and +as noiselessly as she had come . + +" The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man +with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double +chin , who was introduced to me as Mr . Ferguson . + + ' This is my secretary and manager ' said the colonel . ' By the +way , I was under the impression that I left this door shut just +now . I fear that you have felt the draught ' + + ' On the contrary ' said I , ' I opened the door myself because I +felt the room to be a little close ' + +" He shot one of his suspicious looks at me . ' Perhaps we had +better proceed to business , then ' said he . ' Mr . Ferguson and I +will take you up to see the machine ' + + ' I had better put my hat on , I suppose ' + + ' Oh , no , it is in the house ' + + ' What , you dig fuller's - earth in the house ' + + ' No , no . This is only where we compress it . But never mind that . +All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us +know what is wrong with it ' + +" We went upstairs together , the colonel first with the lamp , the +fat manager and I behind him . It was a labyrinth of an old house , +with corridors , passages , narrow winding staircases , and little +low doors , the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the +generations who had crossed them . There were no carpets and no +signs of any furniture above the ground floor , while the plaster +was peeling off the walls , and the damp was breaking through in +green , unhealthy blotches . I tried to put on as unconcerned an +air as possible , but I had not forgotten the warnings of the +lady , even though I disregarded them , and I kept a keen eye upon +my two companions . Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent +man , but I could see from the little that he said that he was at +least a fellow - countryman . + +" Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door , which +he unlocked . Within was a small , square room , in which the three +of us could hardly get at one time . Ferguson remained outside , +and the colonel ushered me in . + + ' We are now ' said he , ' actually within the hydraulic press , and +it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were +to turn it on . The ceiling of this small chamber is really the +end of the descending piston , and it comes down with the force of +many tons upon this metal floor . There are small lateral columns +of water outside which receive the force , and which transmit and +multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you . The machine +goes readily enough , but there is some stiffness in the working +of it , and it has lost a little of its force . Perhaps you will +have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set +it right ' + +" I took the lamp from him , and I examined the machine very +thoroughly . It was indeed a gigantic one , and capable of +exercising enormous pressure . When I passed outside , however , and +pressed down the levers which controlled it , I knew at once by +the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage , which allowed +a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders . An +examination showed that one of the india - rubber bands which was +round the head of a driving - rod had shrunk so as not quite to +fill the socket along which it worked . This was clearly the cause +of the loss of power , and I pointed it out to my companions , who +followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical +questions as to how they should proceed to set it right . When I +had made it clear to them , I returned to the main chamber of the +machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity . +It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's - earth +was the merest fabrication , for it would be absurd to suppose +that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a +purpose . The walls were of wood , but the floor consisted of a +large iron trough , and when I came to examine it I could see a +crust of metallic deposit all over it . I had stooped and was +scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a +muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the +colonel looking down at me . + + ' What are you doing there ' he asked . + +" I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as +that which he had told me . ' I was admiring your fuller's - earth ' +said I ; ' I think that I should be better able to advise you as to +your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it +was used ' + +" The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of +my speech . His face set hard , and a baleful light sprang up in +his grey eyes . + + ' Very well ' said he , ' you shall know all about the machine ' He +took a step backward , slammed the little door , and turned the key +in the lock . I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle , but it +was quite secure , and did not give in the least to my kicks and +shoves . ' Hullo ' I yelled . ' Hullo ! Colonel ! Let me out ' + +" And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my +heart into my mouth . It was the clank of the levers and the swish +of the leaking cylinder . He had set the engine at work . The lamp +still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining +the trough . By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming +down upon me , slowly , jerkily , but , as none knew better than +myself , with a force which must within a minute grind me to a +shapeless pulp . I threw myself , screaming , against the door , and +dragged with my nails at the lock . I implored the colonel to let +me out , but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my +cries . The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head , and with +my hand upraised I could feel its hard , rough surface . Then it +flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend +very much upon the position in which I met it . If I lay on my +face the weight would come upon my spine , and I shuddered to +think of that dreadful snap . Easier the other way , perhaps ; and +yet , had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black +shadow wavering down upon me ? Already I was unable to stand +erect , when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope +back to my heart . + +" I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron , the +walls were of wood . As I gave a last hurried glance around , I saw +a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards , which +broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward . For +an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door +which led away from death . The next instant I threw myself +through , and lay half - fainting upon the other side . The panel had +closed again behind me , but the crash of the lamp , and a few +moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal , told me +how narrow had been my escape . + +" I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist , and +I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor , +while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand , +while she held a candle in her right . It was the same good friend +whose warning I had so foolishly rejected . + + ' Come ! come ' she cried breathlessly . ' They will be here in a +moment . They will see that you are not there . Oh , do not waste +the so - precious time , but come ' + +" This time , at least , I did not scorn her advice . I staggered to +my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding +stair . The latter led to another broad passage , and just as we +reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of +two voices , one answering the other from the floor on which we +were and from the one beneath . My guide stopped and looked about +her like one who is at her wit's end . Then she threw open a door +which led into a bedroom , through the window of which the moon +was shining brightly . + + ' It is your only chance ' said she . ' It is high , but it may be +that you can jump it ' + +" As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the +passage , and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark +rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a +butcher's cleaver in the other . I rushed across the bedroom , +flung open the window , and looked out . How quiet and sweet and +wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight , and it could not be +more than thirty feet down . I clambered out upon the sill , but I +hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between +my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me . If she were ill - used , +then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance . +The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at +the door , pushing his way past her ; but she threw her arms round +him and tried to hold him back . + + ' Fritz ! Fritz ' she cried in English , ' remember your promise +after the last time . You said it should not be again . He will be +silent ! Oh , he will be silent ' + + ' You are mad , Elise ' he shouted , struggling to break away from +her . ' You will be the ruin of us . He has seen too much . Let me +pass , I say ' He dashed her to one side , and , rushing to the +window , cut at me with his heavy weapon . I had let myself go , and +was hanging by the hands to the sill , when his blow fell . I was +conscious of a dull pain , my grip loosened , and I fell into the +garden below . + +" I was shaken but not hurt by the fall ; so I picked myself up and +rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run , for I +understood that I was far from being out of danger yet . Suddenly , +however , as I ran , a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me . +I glanced down at my hand , which was throbbing painfully , and +then , for the first time , saw that my thumb had been cut off and +that the blood was pouring from my wound . I endeavoured to tie my +handkerchief round it , but there came a sudden buzzing in my +ears , and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the +rose - bushes . + +" How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell . It must have been +a very long time , for the moon had sunk , and a bright morning was +breaking when I came to myself . My clothes were all sodden with +dew , and my coat - sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded +thumb . The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the +particulars of my night's adventure , and I sprang to my feet with +the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers . But +to my astonishment , when I came to look round me , neither house +nor garden were to be seen . I had been lying in an angle of the +hedge close by the highroad , and just a little lower down was a +long building , which proved , upon my approaching it , to be the +very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night . Were +it not for the ugly wound upon my hand , all that had passed +during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream . + +" Half dazed , I went into the station and asked about the morning +train . There would be one to Reading in less than an hour . The +same porter was on duty , I found , as had been there when I +arrived . I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel +Lysander Stark . The name was strange to him . Had he observed a +carriage the night before waiting for me ? No , he had not . Was +there a police - station anywhere near ? There was one about three +miles off . + +" It was too far for me to go , weak and ill as I was . I determined +to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the +police . It was a little past six when I arrived , so I went first +to have my wound dressed , and then the doctor was kind enough to +bring me along here . I put the case into your hands and shall do +exactly what you advise " + +We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to +this extraordinary narrative . Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down +from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he +placed his cuttings . + +" Here is an advertisement which will interest you " said he . " It +appeared in all the papers about a year ago . Listen to this : +' Lost , on the 9th inst , Mr . Jeremiah Hayling , aged +twenty - six , a hydraulic engineer . Left his lodgings at ten +o'clock at night , and has not been heard of since . Was +dressed in ' etc , etc . Ha ! That represents the last time that +the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled , I fancy " + +" Good heavens " cried my patient . " Then that explains what the +girl said " + +" Undoubtedly . It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and +desperate man , who was absolutely determined that nothing should +stand in the way of his little game , like those out - and - out +pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship . Well , +every moment now is precious , so if you feel equal to it we shall +go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for +Eyford " + +Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train +together , bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village . +There were Sherlock Holmes , the hydraulic engineer , Inspector +Bradstreet , of Scotland Yard , a plain - clothes man , and myself . +Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the +seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford +for its centre . + +" There you are " said he . " That circle is drawn at a radius of +ten miles from the village . The place we want must be somewhere +near that line . You said ten miles , I think , sir " + +" It was an hour's good drive " + +" And you think that they brought you back all that way when you +were unconscious " + +" They must have done so . I have a confused memory , too , of having +been lifted and conveyed somewhere " + +" What I cannot understand " said I , " is why they should have +spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden . +Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties " + +" I hardly think that likely . I never saw a more inexorable face +in my life " + +" Oh , we shall soon clear up all that " said Bradstreet . " Well , I +have drawn my circle , and I only wish I knew at what point upon +it the folk that we are in search of are to be found " + +" I think I could lay my finger on it " said Holmes quietly . + +" Really , now " cried the inspector , " you have formed your +opinion ! Come , now , we shall see who agrees with you . I say it is +south , for the country is more deserted there " + +" And I say east " said my patient . + +" I am for west " remarked the plain - clothes man . " There are +several quiet little villages up there " + +" And I am for north " said I , " because there are no hills there , +and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up +any " + +" Come " cried the inspector , laughing ; " it's a very pretty +diversity of opinion . We have boxed the compass among us . Who do +you give your casting vote to " + +" You are all wrong " + +" But we can't all be " + +" Oh , yes , you can . This is my point " He placed his finger in the +centre of the circle . " This is where we shall find them " + +" But the twelve - mile drive " gasped Hatherley . + +" Six out and six back . Nothing simpler . You say yourself that the +horse was fresh and glossy when you got in . How could it be that +if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads " + +" Indeed , it is a likely ruse enough " observed Bradstreet +thoughtfully . " Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature +of this gang " + +" None at all " said Holmes . " They are coiners on a large scale , +and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the +place of silver " + +" We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work " +said the inspector . " They have been turning out half - crowns by +the thousand . We even traced them as far as Reading , but could +get no farther , for they had covered their traces in a way that +showed that they were very old hands . But now , thanks to this +lucky chance , I think that we have got them right enough " + +But the inspector was mistaken , for those criminals were not +destined to fall into the hands of justice . As we rolled into +Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed +up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and +hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape . + +" A house on fire " asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off +again on its way . + +" Yes , sir " said the station - master . + +" When did it break out " + +" I hear that it was during the night , sir , but it has got worse , +and the whole place is in a blaze " + +" Whose house is it " + +" Dr . Becher's " + +" Tell me " broke in the engineer , " is Dr . Becher a German , very +thin , with a long , sharp nose " + +The station - master laughed heartily . " No , sir , Dr . Becher is an +Englishman , and there isn't a man in the parish who has a +better - lined waistcoat . But he has a gentleman staying with him , +a patient , as I understand , who is a foreigner , and he looks as +if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm " + +The station - master had not finished his speech before we were all +hastening in the direction of the fire . The road topped a low +hill , and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in +front of us , spouting fire at every chink and window , while in +the garden in front three fire - engines were vainly striving to +keep the flames under . + +" That's it " cried Hatherley , in intense excitement . " There is +the gravel - drive , and there are the rose - bushes where I lay . That +second window is the one that I jumped from " + +" Well , at least " said Holmes , " you have had your revenge upon +them . There can be no question that it was your oil - lamp which , +when it was crushed in the press , set fire to the wooden walls , +though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to +observe it at the time . Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for +your friends of last night , though I very much fear that they are +a good hundred miles off by now " + +And Holmes ' fears came to be realised , for from that day to this +no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman , the +sinister German , or the morose Englishman . Early that morning a +peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very +bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading , but +there all traces of the fugitives disappeared , and even Holmes ' +ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their +whereabouts . + +The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements +which they had found within , and still more so by discovering a +newly severed human thumb upon a window - sill of the second floor . +About sunset , however , their efforts were at last successful , and +they subdued the flames , but not before the roof had fallen in , +and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that , save +some twisted cylinders and iron piping , not a trace remained of +the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so +dearly . Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored +in an out - house , but no coins were to be found , which may have +explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been +already referred to . + +How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to +the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained +forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould , which told us a +very plain tale . He had evidently been carried down by two +persons , one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other +unusually large ones . On the whole , it was most probable that the +silent Englishman , being less bold or less murderous than his +companion , had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out +of the way of danger . + +" Well " said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return +once more to London , " it has been a pretty business for me ! I +have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty - guinea fee , and what +have I gained " + +" Experience " said Holmes , laughing . " Indirectly it may be of +value , you know ; you have only to put it into words to gain the +reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your +existence " + + + +X . THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR + +The Lord St . Simon marriage , and its curious termination , have +long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles +in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves . Fresh scandals have +eclipsed it , and their more piquant details have drawn the +gossips away from this four - year - old drama . As I have reason to +believe , however , that the full facts have never been revealed to +the general public , and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a +considerable share in clearing the matter up , I feel that no +memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of +this remarkable episode . + +It was a few weeks before my own marriage , during the days when I +was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street , that he came +home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table +waiting for him . I had remained indoors all day , for the weather +had taken a sudden turn to rain , with high autumnal winds , and +the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as +a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence . +With my body in one easy - chair and my legs upon another , I had +surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last , +saturated with the news of the day , I tossed them all aside and +lay listless , watching the huge crest and monogram upon the +envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's +noble correspondent could be . + +" Here is a very fashionable epistle " I remarked as he entered . +" Your morning letters , if I remember right , were from a +fish - monger and a tide - waiter " + +" Yes , my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety " he +answered , smiling , " and the humbler are usually the more +interesting . This looks like one of those unwelcome social +summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie " + +He broke the seal and glanced over the contents . + +" Oh , come , it may prove to be something of interest , after all " + +" Not social , then " + +" No , distinctly professional " + +" And from a noble client " + +" One of the highest in England " + +" My dear fellow , I congratulate you " + +" I assure you , Watson , without affectation , that the status of my +client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his +case . It is just possible , however , that that also may not be +wanting in this new investigation . You have been reading the +papers diligently of late , have you not " + +" It looks like it " said I ruefully , pointing to a huge bundle in +the corner . " I have had nothing else to do " + +" It is fortunate , for you will perhaps be able to post me up . I +read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column . The +latter is always instructive . But if you have followed recent +events so closely you must have read about Lord St . Simon and his +wedding " + +" Oh , yes , with the deepest interest " + +" That is well . The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord +St . Simon . I will read it to you , and in return you must turn +over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter . +This is what he says : + + ' MY DEAR MR . SHERLOCK HOLMES -- Lord Backwater tells me that I +may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion . I +have determined , therefore , to call upon you and to consult you +in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in +connection with my wedding . Mr . Lestrade , of Scotland Yard , is +acting already in the matter , but he assures me that he sees no +objection to your co - operation , and that he even thinks that +it might be of some assistance . I will call at four o'clock in +the afternoon , and , should you have any other engagement at that +time , I hope that you will postpone it , as this matter is of +paramount importance . Yours faithfully , ST . SIMON ' + +" It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions , written with a quill pen , +and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink +upon the outer side of his right little finger " remarked Holmes +as he folded up the epistle . + +" He says four o'clock . It is three now . He will be here in an +hour " + +" Then I have just time , with your assistance , to get clear upon +the subject . Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in +their order of time , while I take a glance as to who our client +is " He picked a red - covered volume from a line of books of +reference beside the mantelpiece . " Here he is " said he , sitting +down and flattening it out upon his knee . " ' Lord Robert Walsingham +de Vere St . Simon , second son of the Duke of Balmoral ' Hum ! ' Arms : +Azure , three caltrops in chief over a fess sable . Born in 1846 ' +He's forty - one years of age , which is mature for marriage . Was +Under - Secretary for the colonies in a late administration . The +Duke , his father , was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs . +They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent , and Tudor on +the distaff side . Ha ! Well , there is nothing very instructive in +all this . I think that I must turn to you Watson , for something +more solid " + +" I have very little difficulty in finding what I want " said I , +" for the facts are quite recent , and the matter struck me as +remarkable . I feared to refer them to you , however , as I knew +that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the +intrusion of other matters " + +" Oh , you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square +furniture van . That is quite cleared up now - though , indeed , it +was obvious from the first . Pray give me the results of your +newspaper selections " + +" Here is the first notice which I can find . It is in the personal +column of the Morning Post , and dates , as you see , some weeks +back : ' A marriage has been arranged ' it says , ' and will , if +rumour is correct , very shortly take place , between Lord Robert +St . Simon , second son of the Duke of Balmoral , and Miss Hatty +Doran , the only daughter of Aloysius Doran . Esq , of San +Francisco , Cal , U . S . A ' That is all " + +" Terse and to the point " remarked Holmes , stretching his long , +thin legs towards the fire . + +" There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society +papers of the same week . Ah , here it is : ' There will soon be a +call for protection in the marriage market , for the present +free - trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home +product . One by one the management of the noble houses of Great +Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across +the Atlantic . An important addition has been made during the last +week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by +these charming invaders . Lord St . Simon , who has shown himself +for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows , has +now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty +Doran , the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire . Miss +Doran , whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much +attention at the Westbury House festivities , is an only child , +and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to +considerably over the six figures , with expectancies for the +future . As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has +been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years , +and as Lord St . Simon has no property of his own save the small +estate of Birchmoor , it is obvious that the Californian heiress +is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to +make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a +British peeress '" + +" Anything else " asked Holmes , yawning . + +" Oh , yes ; plenty . Then there is another note in the Morning Post +to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one , that it +would be at St . George's , Hanover Square , that only half a dozen +intimate friends would be invited , and that the party would +return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been +taken by Mr . Aloysius Doran . Two days later - that is , on +Wednesday last - there is a curt announcement that the wedding had +taken place , and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord +Backwater's place , near Petersfield . Those are all the notices +which appeared before the disappearance of the bride " + +" Before the what " asked Holmes with a start . + +" The vanishing of the lady " + +" When did she vanish , then " + +" At the wedding breakfast " + +" Indeed . This is more interesting than it promised to be ; quite +dramatic , in fact " + +" Yes ; it struck me as being a little out of the common " + +" They often vanish before the ceremony , and occasionally during +the honeymoon ; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt +as this . Pray let me have the details " + +" I warn you that they are very incomplete " + +" Perhaps we may make them less so " + +" Such as they are , they are set forth in a single article of a +morning paper of yesterday , which I will read to you . It is +headed , ' Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding : + + ' The family of Lord Robert St . Simon has been thrown into the +greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which +have taken place in connection with his wedding . The ceremony , as +shortly announced in the papers of yesterday , occurred on the +previous morning ; but it is only now that it has been possible to +confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently +floating about . In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush +the matter up , so much public attention has now been drawn to it +that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what +is a common subject for conversation . + + ' The ceremony , which was performed at St . George's , Hanover +Square , was a very quiet one , no one being present save the +father of the bride , Mr . Aloysius Doran , the Duchess of Balmoral , +Lord Backwater , Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St . Simon ( the +younger brother and sister of the bridegroom , and Lady Alicia +Whittington . The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of +Mr . Aloysius Doran , at Lancaster Gate , where breakfast had been +prepared . It appears that some little trouble was caused by a +woman , whose name has not been ascertained , who endeavoured to +force her way into the house after the bridal party , alleging +that she had some claim upon Lord St . Simon . It was only after a +painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler +and the footman . The bride , who had fortunately entered the house +before this unpleasant interruption , had sat down to breakfast +with the rest , when she complained of a sudden indisposition and +retired to her room . Her prolonged absence having caused some +comment , her father followed her , but learned from her maid that +she had only come up to her chamber for an instant , caught up an +ulster and bonnet , and hurried down to the passage . One of the +footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus +apparelled , but had refused to credit that it was his mistress , +believing her to be with the company . On ascertaining that his +daughter had disappeared , Mr . Aloysius Doran , in conjunction with +the bridegroom , instantly put themselves in communication with +the police , and very energetic inquiries are being made , which +will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very +singular business . Up to a late hour last night , however , nothing +had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady . There +are rumours of foul play in the matter , and it is said that the +police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the +original disturbance , in the belief that , from jealousy or some +other motive , she may have been concerned in the strange +disappearance of the bride '" + +" And is that all " + +" Only one little item in another of the morning papers , but it is +a suggestive one " + +" And it is -" + +" That Miss Flora Millar , the lady who had caused the disturbance , +has actually been arrested . It appears that she was formerly a +danseuse at the Allegro , and that she has known the bridegroom +for some years . There are no further particulars , and the whole +case is in your hands now - so far as it has been set forth in the +public press " + +" And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be . I would +not have missed it for worlds . But there is a ring at the bell , +Watson , and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four , I +have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client . Do not +dream of going , Watson , for I very much prefer having a witness , +if only as a check to my own memory " + +" Lord Robert St . Simon " announced our page - boy , throwing open +the door . A gentleman entered , with a pleasant , cultured face , +high - nosed and pale , with something perhaps of petulance about +the mouth , and with the steady , well - opened eye of a man whose +pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed . His +manner was brisk , and yet his general appearance gave an undue +impression of age , for he had a slight forward stoop and a little +bend of the knees as he walked . His hair , too , as he swept off +his very curly - brimmed hat , was grizzled round the edges and thin +upon the top . As to his dress , it was careful to the verge of +foppishness , with high collar , black frock - coat , white waistcoat , +yellow gloves , patent - leather shoes , and light - coloured gaiters . +He advanced slowly into the room , turning his head from left to +right , and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his +golden eyeglasses . + +" Good - day , Lord St . Simon " said Holmes , rising and bowing . " Pray +take the basket - chair . This is my friend and colleague , Dr . +Watson . Draw up a little to the fire , and we will talk this +matter over " + +" A most painful matter to me , as you can most readily imagine , +Mr . Holmes . I have been cut to the quick . I understand that you +have already managed several delicate cases of this sort , sir , +though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of +society " + +" No , I am descending " + +" I beg pardon " + +" My last client of the sort was a king " + +" Oh , really ! I had no idea . And which king " + +" The King of Scandinavia " + +" What ! Had he lost his wife " + +" You can understand " said Holmes suavely , " that I extend to the +affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to +you in yours " + +" Of course ! Very right ! very right ! I ' m sure I beg pardon . As to +my own case , I am ready to give you any information which may +assist you in forming an opinion " + +" Thank you . I have already learned all that is in the public +prints , nothing more . I presume that I may take it as correct - this +article , for example , as to the disappearance of the bride " + +Lord St . Simon glanced over it . " Yes , it is correct , as far as it +goes " + +" But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could +offer an opinion . I think that I may arrive at my facts most +directly by questioning you " + +" Pray do so " + +" When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran " + +" In San Francisco , a year ago " + +" You were travelling in the States " + +" Yes " + +" Did you become engaged then " + +" No " + +" But you were on a friendly footing " + +" I was amused by her society , and she could see that I was +amused " + +" Her father is very rich " + +" He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope " + +" And how did he make his money " + +" In mining . He had nothing a few years ago . Then he struck gold , +invested it , and came up by leaps and bounds " + +" Now , what is your own impression as to the young lady's - your +wife's character " + +The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down +into the fire . " You see , Mr . Holmes " said he , " my wife was +twenty before her father became a rich man . During that time she +ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or +mountains , so that her education has come from Nature rather than +from the schoolmaster . She is what we call in England a tomboy , +with a strong nature , wild and free , unfettered by any sort of +traditions . She is impetuous - volcanic , I was about to say . She +is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her +resolutions . On the other hand , I would not have given her the +name which I have the honour to bear -- he gave a little stately +cough -" had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman . I +believe that she is capable of heroic self - sacrifice and that +anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her " + +" Have you her photograph " + +" I brought this with me " He opened a locket and showed us the +full face of a very lovely woman . It was not a photograph but an +ivory miniature , and the artist had brought out the full effect +of the lustrous black hair , the large dark eyes , and the +exquisite mouth . Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it . Then he +closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St . Simon . + +" The young lady came to London , then , and you renewed your +acquaintance " + +" Yes , her father brought her over for this last London season . I +met her several times , became engaged to her , and have now +married her " + +" She brought , I understand , a considerable dowry " + +" A fair dowry . Not more than is usual in my family " + +" And this , of course , remains to you , since the marriage is a +fait accompli " + +" I really have made no inquiries on the subject " + +" Very naturally not . Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the +wedding " + +" Yes " + +" Was she in good spirits " + +" Never better . She kept talking of what we should do in our +future lives " + +" Indeed ! That is very interesting . And on the morning of the +wedding " + +" She was as bright as possible - at least until after the +ceremony " + +" And did you observe any change in her then " + +" Well , to tell the truth , I saw then the first signs that I had +ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp . The incident +however , was too trivial to relate and can have no possible +bearing upon the case " + +" Pray let us have it , for all that " + +" Oh , it is childish . She dropped her bouquet as we went towards +the vestry . She was passing the front pew at the time , and it +fell over into the pew . There was a moment's delay , but the +gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again , and it did not +appear to be the worse for the fall . Yet when I spoke to her of +the matter , she answered me abruptly ; and in the carriage , on our +way home , she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause " + +" Indeed ! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew . Some of +the general public were present , then " + +" Oh , yes . It is impossible to exclude them when the church is +open " + +" This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends " + +" No , no ; I call him a gentleman by courtesy , but he was quite a +common - looking person . I hardly noticed his appearance . But +really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point " + +" Lady St . Simon , then , returned from the wedding in a less +cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it . What did she do +on re - entering her father's house " + +" I saw her in conversation with her maid " + +" And who is her maid " + +" Alice is her name . She is an American and came from California +with her " + +" A confidential servant " + +" A little too much so . It seemed to me that her mistress allowed +her to take great liberties . Still , of course , in America they +look upon these things in a different way " + +" How long did she speak to this Alice " + +" Oh , a few minutes . I had something else to think of " + +" You did not overhear what they said " + +" Lady St . Simon said something about ' jumping a claim ' She was +accustomed to use slang of the kind . I have no idea what she +meant " + +" American slang is very expressive sometimes . And what did your +wife do when she finished speaking to her maid " + +" She walked into the breakfast - room " + +" On your arm " + +" No , alone . She was very independent in little matters like that . +Then , after we had sat down for ten minutes or so , she rose +hurriedly , muttered some words of apology , and left the room . She +never came back " + +" But this maid , Alice , as I understand , deposes that she went to +her room , covered her bride's dress with a long ulster , put on a +bonnet , and went out " + +" Quite so . And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in +company with Flora Millar , a woman who is now in custody , and who +had already made a disturbance at Mr . Doran's house that +morning " + +" Ah , yes . I should like a few particulars as to this young lady , +and your relations to her " + +Lord St . Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows . +" We have been on a friendly footing for some years - I may say on +a very friendly footing . She used to be at the Allegro . I have +not treated her ungenerously , and she had no just cause of +complaint against me , but you know what women are , Mr . Holmes . +Flora was a dear little thing , but exceedingly hot - headed and +devotedly attached to me . She wrote me dreadful letters when she +heard that I was about to be married , and , to tell the truth , the +reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I +feared lest there might be a scandal in the church . She came to +Mr . Doran's door just after we returned , and she endeavoured to +push her way in , uttering very abusive expressions towards my +wife , and even threatening her , but I had foreseen the +possibility of something of the sort , and I had two police +fellows there in private clothes , who soon pushed her out again . +She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a +row " + +" Did your wife hear all this " + +" No , thank goodness , she did not " + +" And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards " + +" Yes . That is what Mr . Lestrade , of Scotland Yard , looks upon as +so serious . It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid +some terrible trap for her " + +" Well , it is a possible supposition " + +" You think so , too " + +" I did not say a probable one . But you do not yourself look upon +this as likely " + +" I do not think Flora would hurt a fly " + +" Still , jealousy is a strange transformer of characters . Pray +what is your own theory as to what took place " + +" Well , really , I came to seek a theory , not to propound one . I +have given you all the facts . Since you ask me , however , I may +say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of +this affair , the consciousness that she had made so immense a +social stride , had the effect of causing some little nervous +disturbance in my wife " + +" In short , that she had become suddenly deranged " + +" Well , really , when I consider that she has turned her back - I +will not say upon me , but upon so much that many have aspired to +without success - I can hardly explain it in any other fashion " + +" Well , certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis " said +Holmes , smiling . " And now , Lord St . Simon , I think that I have +nearly all my data . May I ask whether you were seated at the +breakfast - table so that you could see out of the window " + +" We could see the other side of the road and the Park " + +" Quite so . Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer . +I shall communicate with you " + +" Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem " said our +client , rising . + +" I have solved it " + +" Eh ? What was that " + +" I say that I have solved it " + +" Where , then , is my wife " + +" That is a detail which I shall speedily supply " + +Lord St . Simon shook his head . " I am afraid that it will take +wiser heads than yours or mine " he remarked , and bowing in a +stately , old - fashioned manner he departed . + +" It is very good of Lord St . Simon to honour my head by putting +it on a level with his own " said Sherlock Holmes , laughing . " I +think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all +this cross - questioning . I had formed my conclusions as to the +case before our client came into the room " + +" My dear Holmes " + +" I have notes of several similar cases , though none , as I +remarked before , which were quite as prompt . My whole examination +served to turn my conjecture into a certainty . Circumstantial +evidence is occasionally very convincing , as when you find a +trout in the milk , to quote Thoreau's example " + +" But I have heard all that you have heard " + +" Without , however , the knowledge of pre - existing cases which +serves me so well . There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some +years back , and something on very much the same lines at Munich +the year after the Franco - Prussian War . It is one of these +cases - but , hullo , here is Lestrade ! Good - afternoon , Lestrade ! +You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard , and there are +cigars in the box " + +The official detective was attired in a pea - jacket and cravat , +which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance , and he carried a +black canvas bag in his hand . With a short greeting he seated +himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him . + +" What's up , then " asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye . " You +look dissatisfied " + +" And I feel dissatisfied . It is this infernal St . Simon marriage +case . I can make neither head nor tail of the business " + +" Really ! You surprise me " + +" Who ever heard of such a mixed affair ? Every clue seems to slip +through my fingers . I have been at work upon it all day " + +" And very wet it seems to have made you " said Holmes laying his +hand upon the arm of the pea - jacket . + +" Yes , I have been dragging the Serpentine " + +" In heaven's name , what for " + +" In search of the body of Lady St . Simon " + +Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily . + +" Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain " he +asked . + +" Why ? What do you mean " + +" Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in +the one as in the other " + +Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion . " I suppose you +know all about it " he snarled . + +" Well , I have only just heard the facts , but my mind is made up " + +" Oh , indeed ! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in +the matter " + +" I think it very unlikely " + +" Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found +this in it " He opened his bag as he spoke , and tumbled onto the +floor a wedding - dress of watered silk , a pair of white satin +shoes and a bride's wreath and veil , all discoloured and soaked +in water . " There " said he , putting a new wedding - ring upon the +top of the pile . " There is a little nut for you to crack , Master +Holmes " + +" Oh , indeed " said my friend , blowing blue rings into the air . +" You dragged them from the Serpentine " + +" No . They were found floating near the margin by a park - keeper . +They have been identified as her clothes , and it seemed to me +that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off " + +" By the same brilliant reasoning , every man's body is to be found +in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe . And pray what did you hope +to arrive at through this " + +" At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance " + +" I am afraid that you will find it difficult " + +" Are you , indeed , now " cried Lestrade with some bitterness . " I +am afraid , Holmes , that you are not very practical with your +deductions and your inferences . You have made two blunders in as +many minutes . This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar " + +" And how " + +" In the dress is a pocket . In the pocket is a card - case . In the +card - case is a note . And here is the very note " He slapped it +down upon the table in front of him . " Listen to this : ' You will +see me when all is ready . Come at once . F . H . M ' Now my theory all +along has been that Lady St . Simon was decoyed away by Flora +Millar , and that she , with confederates , no doubt , was +responsible for her disappearance . Here , signed with her +initials , is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped +into her hand at the door and which lured her within their +reach " + +" Very good , Lestrade " said Holmes , laughing . " You really are +very fine indeed . Let me see it " He took up the paper in a +listless way , but his attention instantly became riveted , and he +gave a little cry of satisfaction . " This is indeed important " +said he . + +" Ha ! you find it so " + +" Extremely so . I congratulate you warmly " + +Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look . " Why " he +shrieked , " you ' re looking at the wrong side " + +" On the contrary , this is the right side " + +" The right side ? You ' re mad ! Here is the note written in pencil +over here " + +" And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel +bill , which interests me deeply " + +" There's nothing in it . I looked at it before " said Lestrade . + ' Oct . 4th , rooms 8s , breakfast 2s . 6d , cocktail 1s , lunch 2s . +6d , glass sherry , 8d ' I see nothing in that " + +" Very likely not . It is most important , all the same . As to the +note , it is important also , or at least the initials are , so I +congratulate you again " + +" I ' ve wasted time enough " said Lestrade , rising . " I believe in +hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories . +Good - day , Mr . Holmes , and we shall see which gets to the bottom +of the matter first " He gathered up the garments , thrust them +into the bag , and made for the door . + +" Just one hint to you , Lestrade " drawled Holmes before his rival +vanished ; " I will tell you the true solution of the matter . Lady +St . Simon is a myth . There is not , and there never has been , any +such person " + +Lestrade looked sadly at my companion . Then he turned to me , +tapped his forehead three times , shook his head solemnly , and +hurried away . + +He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on +his overcoat . " There is something in what the fellow says about +outdoor work " he remarked , " so I think , Watson , that I must +leave you to your papers for a little " + +It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me , but I had +no time to be lonely , for within an hour there arrived a +confectioner's man with a very large flat box . This he unpacked +with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him , and +presently , to my very great astonishment , a quite epicurean +little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble +lodging - house mahogany . There were a couple of brace of cold +woodcock , a pheasant , a pate de foie gras pie with a group of +ancient and cobwebby bottles . Having laid out all these luxuries , +my two visitors vanished away , like the genii of the Arabian +Nights , with no explanation save that the things had been paid +for and were ordered to this address . + +Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the +room . His features were gravely set , but there was a light in his +eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his +conclusions . + +" They have laid the supper , then " he said , rubbing his hands . + +" You seem to expect company . They have laid for five " + +" Yes , I fancy we may have some company dropping in " said he . " I +am surprised that Lord St . Simon has not already arrived . Ha ! I +fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs " + +It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in , +dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever , and with a very +perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features . + +" My messenger reached you , then " asked Holmes . + +" Yes , and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure . +Have you good authority for what you say " + +" The best possible " + +Lord St . Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his +forehead . + +" What will the Duke say " he murmured , " when he hears that one of +the family has been subjected to such humiliation " + +" It is the purest accident . I cannot allow that there is any +humiliation " + +" Ah , you look on these things from another standpoint " + +" I fail to see that anyone is to blame . I can hardly see how the +lady could have acted otherwise , though her abrupt method of +doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted . Having no mother , she +had no one to advise her at such a crisis " + +" It was a slight , sir , a public slight " said Lord St . Simon , +tapping his fingers upon the table . + +" You must make allowance for this poor girl , placed in so +unprecedented a position " + +" I will make no allowance . I am very angry indeed , and I have +been shamefully used " + +" I think that I heard a ring " said Holmes . " Yes , there are steps +on the landing . If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view +of the matter , Lord St . Simon , I have brought an advocate here +who may be more successful " He opened the door and ushered in a +lady and gentleman . " Lord St . Simon " said he " allow me to +introduce you to Mr . and Mrs . Francis Hay Moulton . The lady , I +think , you have already met " + +At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his +seat and stood very erect , with his eyes cast down and his hand +thrust into the breast of his frock - coat , a picture of offended +dignity . The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out +her hand to him , but he still refused to raise his eyes . It was +as well for his resolution , perhaps , for her pleading face was +one which it was hard to resist . + +" You ' re angry , Robert " said she . " Well , I guess you have every +cause to be " + +" Pray make no apology to me " said Lord St . Simon bitterly . + +" Oh , yes , I know that I have treated you real bad and that I +should have spoken to you before I went ; but I was kind of +rattled , and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just +didn't know what I was doing or saying . I only wonder I didn ' t +fall down and do a faint right there before the altar " + +" Perhaps , Mrs . Moulton , you would like my friend and me to leave +the room while you explain this matter " + +" If I may give an opinion " remarked the strange gentleman , +" we ' ve had just a little too much secrecy over this business +already . For my part , I should like all Europe and America to +hear the rights of it " He was a small , wiry , sunburnt man , +clean - shaven , with a sharp face and alert manner . + +" Then I ' ll tell our story right away " said the lady . " Frank here +and I met in ' 84 , in McQuire's camp , near the Rockies , where pa +was working a claim . We were engaged to each other , Frank and I ; +but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile , +while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to +nothing . The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank ; so at last pa +wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer , and he took +me away to ' Frisco . Frank wouldn't throw up his hand , though ; so +he followed me there , and he saw me without pa knowing anything +about it . It would only have made him mad to know , so we just +fixed it all up for ourselves . Frank said that he would go and +make his pile , too , and never come back to claim me until he had +as much as pa . So then I promised to wait for him to the end of +time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived . +' Why shouldn't we be married right away , then ' said he , ' and +then I will feel sure of you ; and I won't claim to be your +husband until I come back ' Well , we talked it over , and he had +fixed it all up so nicely , with a clergyman all ready in waiting , +that we just did it right there ; and then Frank went off to seek +his fortune , and I went back to pa . + +" The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana , and then +he went prospecting in Arizona , and then I heard of him from New +Mexico . After that came a long newspaper story about how a +miners ' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians , and there was +my Frank's name among the killed . I fainted dead away , and I was +very sick for months after . Pa thought I had a decline and took +me to half the doctors in ' Frisco . Not a word of news came for a +year and more , so that I never doubted that Frank was really +dead . Then Lord St . Simon came to ' Frisco , and we came to London , +and a marriage was arranged , and pa was very pleased , but I felt +all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place +in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank . + +" Still , if I had married Lord St . Simon , of course I ' d have done +my duty by him . We can't command our love , but we can our +actions . I went to the altar with him with the intention to make +him just as good a wife as it was in me to be . But you may +imagine what I felt when , just as I came to the altar rails , I +glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the +first pew . I thought it was his ghost at first ; but when I looked +again there he was still , with a kind of question in his eyes , as +if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him . I wonder I +didn't drop . I know that everything was turning round , and the +words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my +ear . I didn't know what to do . Should I stop the service and make +a scene in the church ? I glanced at him again , and he seemed to +know what I was thinking , for he raised his finger to his lips to +tell me to be still . Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper , +and I knew that he was writing me a note . As I passed his pew on +the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him , and he slipped the +note into my hand when he returned me the flowers . It was only a +line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so . +Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now +to him , and I determined to do just whatever he might direct . + +" When I got back I told my maid , who had known him in California , +and had always been his friend . I ordered her to say nothing , but +to get a few things packed and my ulster ready . I know I ought to +have spoken to Lord St . Simon , but it was dreadful hard before +his mother and all those great people . I just made up my mind to +run away and explain afterwards . I hadn't been at the table ten +minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of +the road . He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park . +I slipped out , put on my things , and followed him . Some woman +came talking something or other about Lord St . Simon to +me - seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little +secret of his own before marriage also - but I managed to get away +from her and soon overtook Frank . We got into a cab together , and +away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square , and +that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting . Frank +had been a prisoner among the Apaches , had escaped , came on to +' Frisco , found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to +England , followed me there , and had come upon me at last on the +very morning of my second wedding " + +" I saw it in a paper " explained the American . " It gave the name +and the church but not where the lady lived " + +" Then we had a talk as to what we should do , and Frank was all +for openness , but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I +should like to vanish away and never see any of them again - just +sending a line to pa , perhaps , to show him that I was alive . It +was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting +round that breakfast - table and waiting for me to come back . So +Frank took my wedding - clothes and things and made a bundle of +them , so that I should not be traced , and dropped them away +somewhere where no one could find them . It is likely that we +should have gone on to Paris to - morrow , only that this good +gentleman , Mr . Holmes , came round to us this evening , though how +he found us is more than I can think , and he showed us very +clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right , and +that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so +secret . Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord +St . Simon alone , and so we came right away round to his rooms at +once . Now , Robert , you have heard it all , and I am very sorry if +I have given you pain , and I hope that you do not think very +meanly of me " + +Lord St . Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude , but +had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this +long narrative . + +" Excuse me " he said , " but it is not my custom to discuss my most +intimate personal affairs in this public manner " + +" Then you won't forgive me ? You won't shake hands before I go " + +" Oh , certainly , if it would give you any pleasure " He put out +his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him . + +" I had hoped " suggested Holmes , " that you would have joined us +in a friendly supper " + +" I think that there you ask a little too much " responded his +Lordship . " I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent +developments , but I can hardly be expected to make merry over +them . I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a +very good - night " He included us all in a sweeping bow and +stalked out of the room . + +" Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your +company " said Sherlock Holmes . " It is always a joy to meet an +American , Mr . Moulton , for I am one of those who believe that the +folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far - gone +years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens +of the same world - wide country under a flag which shall be a +quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes " + +" The case has been an interesting one " remarked Holmes when our +visitors had left us , " because it serves to show very clearly how +simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight +seems to be almost inexplicable . Nothing could be more natural +than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady , and nothing +stranger than the result when viewed , for instance , by Mr . +Lestrade of Scotland Yard " + +" You were not yourself at fault at all , then " + +" From the first , two facts were very obvious to me , the one that +the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony , +the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of +returning home . Obviously something had occurred during the +morning , then , to cause her to change her mind . What could that +something be ? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was +out , for she had been in the company of the bridegroom . Had she +seen someone , then ? If she had , it must be someone from America +because she had spent so short a time in this country that she +could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence +over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change +her plans so completely . You see we have already arrived , by a +process of exclusion , at the idea that she might have seen an +American . Then who could this American be , and why should he +possess so much influence over her ? It might be a lover ; it might +be a husband . Her young womanhood had , I knew , been spent in +rough scenes and under strange conditions . So far I had got +before I ever heard Lord St . Simon's narrative . When he told us +of a man in a pew , of the change in the bride's manner , of so +transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a +bouquet , of her resort to her confidential maid , and of her very +significant allusion to claim - jumping - which in miners ' parlance +means taking possession of that which another person has a prior +claim to - the whole situation became absolutely clear . She had +gone off with a man , and the man was either a lover or was a +previous husband - the chances being in favour of the latter " + +" And how in the world did you find them " + +" It might have been difficult , but friend Lestrade held +information in his hands the value of which he did not himself +know . The initials were , of course , of the highest importance , +but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had +settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels " + +" How did you deduce the select " + +" By the select prices . Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence +for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive +hotels . There are not many in London which charge at that rate . +In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue , I +learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H . Moulton , an +American gentleman , had left only the day before , and on looking +over the entries against him , I came upon the very items which I +had seen in the duplicate bill . His letters were to be forwarded +to 226 Gordon Square ; so thither I travelled , and being fortunate +enough to find the loving couple at home , I ventured to give them +some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be +better in every way that they should make their position a little +clearer both to the general public and to Lord St . Simon in +particular . I invited them to meet him here , and , as you see , I +made him keep the appointment " + +" But with no very good result " I remarked . " His conduct was +certainly not very gracious " + +" Ah , Watson " said Holmes , smiling , " perhaps you would not be +very gracious either , if , after all the trouble of wooing and +wedding , you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of +fortune . I think that we may judge Lord St . Simon very mercifully +and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in +the same position . Draw your chair up and hand me my violin , for +the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away +these bleak autumnal evenings " + + + +XI . THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET + +" Holmes " said I as I stood one morning in our bow - window looking +down the street , " here is a madman coming along . It seems rather +sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone " + +My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands +in the pockets of his dressing - gown , looking over my shoulder . It +was a bright , crisp February morning , and the snow of the day +before still lay deep upon the ground , shimmering brightly in the +wintry sun . Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed +into a brown crumbly band by the traffic , but at either side and +on the heaped - up edges of the foot - paths it still lay as white as +when it fell . The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped , but +was still dangerously slippery , so that there were fewer +passengers than usual . Indeed , from the direction of the +Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman +whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention . + +He was a man of about fifty , tall , portly , and imposing , with a +massive , strongly marked face and a commanding figure . He was +dressed in a sombre yet rich style , in black frock - coat , shining +hat , neat brown gaiters , and well - cut pearl - grey trousers . Yet +his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress +and features , for he was running hard , with occasional little +springs , such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to +set any tax upon his legs . As he ran he jerked his hands up and +down , waggled his head , and writhed his face into the most +extraordinary contortions . + +" What on earth can be the matter with him " I asked . " He is +looking up at the numbers of the houses " + +" I believe that he is coming here " said Holmes , rubbing his +hands . + +" Here " + +" Yes ; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally . I +think that I recognise the symptoms . Ha ! did I not tell you " As +he spoke , the man , puffing and blowing , rushed at our door and +pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the +clanging . + +A few moments later he was in our room , still puffing , still +gesticulating , but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in +his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and +pity . For a while he could not get his words out , but swayed his +body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the +extreme limits of his reason . Then , suddenly springing to his +feet , he beat his head against the wall with such force that we +both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room . +Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy - chair and , sitting +beside him , patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy , +soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ . + +" You have come to me to tell your story , have you not " said he . +" You are fatigued with your haste . Pray wait until you have +recovered yourself , and then I shall be most happy to look into +any little problem which you may submit to me " + +The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest , fighting +against his emotion . Then he passed his handkerchief over his +brow , set his lips tight , and turned his face towards us . + +" No doubt you think me mad " said he . + +" I see that you have had some great trouble " responded Holmes . + +" God knows I have -- a trouble which is enough to unseat my +reason , so sudden and so terrible is it . Public disgrace I might +have faced , although I am a man whose character has never yet +borne a stain . Private affliction also is the lot of every man ; +but the two coming together , and in so frightful a form , have +been enough to shake my very soul . Besides , it is not I alone . +The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found +out of this horrible affair " + +" Pray compose yourself , sir " said Holmes , " and let me have a +clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen +you " + +" My name " answered our visitor , " is probably familiar to your +ears . I am Alexander Holder , of the banking firm of Holder & +Stevenson , of Threadneedle Street " + +The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior +partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City +of London . What could have happened , then , to bring one of the +foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass ? We +waited , all curiosity , until with another effort he braced +himself to tell his story . + +" I feel that time is of value " said he ; " that is why I hastened +here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure +your co - operation . I came to Baker Street by the Underground and +hurried from there on foot , for the cabs go slowly through this +snow . That is why I was so out of breath , for I am a man who +takes very little exercise . I feel better now , and I will put the +facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can . + +" It is , of course , well known to you that in a successful banking +business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative +investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection +and the number of our depositors . One of our most lucrative means +of laying out money is in the shape of loans , where the security +is unimpeachable . We have done a good deal in this direction +during the last few years , and there are many noble families to +whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their +pictures , libraries , or plate . + +" Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a +card was brought in to me by one of the clerks . I started when I +saw the name , for it was that of none other than - well , perhaps +even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name +which is a household word all over the earth - one of the highest , +noblest , most exalted names in England . I was overwhelmed by the +honour and attempted , when he entered , to say so , but he plunged +at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry +quickly through a disagreeable task . + + ' Mr . Holder ' said he , ' I have been informed that you are in the +habit of advancing money ' + + ' The firm does so when the security is good ' I answered . + + ' It is absolutely essential to me ' said he , ' that I should have +50 , 000 pounds at once . I could , of course , borrow so trifling a +sum ten times over from my friends , but I much prefer to make it +a matter of business and to carry out that business myself . In my +position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place +one's self under obligations ' + + ' For how long , may I ask , do you want this sum ' I asked . + + ' Next Monday I have a large sum due to me , and I shall then most +certainly repay what you advance , with whatever interest you +think it right to charge . But it is very essential to me that the +money should be paid at once ' + + ' I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my +own private purse ' said I , ' were it not that the strain would be +rather more than it could bear . If , on the other hand , I am to do +it in the name of the firm , then in justice to my partner I must +insist that , even in your case , every businesslike precaution +should be taken ' + + ' I should much prefer to have it so ' said he , raising up a +square , black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair . +' You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet ' + + ' One of the most precious public possessions of the empire ' +said I . + + ' Precisely ' He opened the case , and there , imbedded in soft , +flesh - coloured velvet , lay the magnificent piece of jewellery +which he had named . ' There are thirty - nine enormous beryls ' said +he , ' and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable . The +lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the +sum which I have asked . I am prepared to leave it with you as my +security ' + +" I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some +perplexity from it to my illustrious client . + + ' You doubt its value ' he asked . + + ' Not at all . I only doubt -' + + ' The propriety of my leaving it . You may set your mind at rest +about that . I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely +certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it . It is a +pure matter of form . Is the security sufficient ' + + ' Ample ' + + ' You understand , Mr . Holder , that I am giving you a strong proof +of the confidence which I have in you , founded upon all that I +have heard of you . I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to +refrain from all gossip upon the matter but , above all , to +preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I +need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any +harm were to befall it . Any injury to it would be almost as +serious as its complete loss , for there are no beryls in the +world to match these , and it would be impossible to replace them . +I leave it with you , however , with every confidence , and I shall +call for it in person on Monday morning ' + +" Seeing that my client was anxious to leave , I said no more but , +calling for my cashier , I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 +pound notes . When I was alone once more , however , with the +precious case lying upon the table in front of me , I could not +but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility +which it entailed upon me . There could be no doubt that , as it +was a national possession , a horrible scandal would ensue if any +misfortune should occur to it . I already regretted having ever +consented to take charge of it . However , it was too late to alter +the matter now , so I locked it up in my private safe and turned +once more to my work . + +" When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave +so precious a thing in the office behind me . Bankers ' safes had +been forced before now , and why should not mine be ? If so , how +terrible would be the position in which I should find myself ! I +determined , therefore , that for the next few days I would always +carry the case backward and forward with me , so that it might +never be really out of my reach . With this intention , I called a +cab and drove out to my house at Streatham , carrying the jewel +with me . I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs +and locked it in the bureau of my dressing - room . + +" And now a word as to my household , Mr . Holmes , for I wish you to +thoroughly understand the situation . My groom and my page sleep +out of the house , and may be set aside altogether . I have three +maid - servants who have been with me a number of years and whose +absolute reliability is quite above suspicion . Another , Lucy +Parr , the second waiting - maid , has only been in my service a few +months . She came with an excellent character , however , and has +always given me satisfaction . She is a very pretty girl and has +attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place . +That is the only drawback which we have found to her , but we +believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way . + +" So much for the servants . My family itself is so small that it +will not take me long to describe it . I am a widower and have an +only son , Arthur . He has been a disappointment to me , Mr . +Holmes - a grievous disappointment . I have no doubt that I am +myself to blame . People tell me that I have spoiled him . Very +likely I have . When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I +had to love . I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a +moment from his face . I have never denied him a wish . Perhaps it +would have been better for both of us had I been sterner , but I +meant it for the best . + +" It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my +business , but he was not of a business turn . He was wild , +wayward , and , to speak the truth , I could not trust him in the +handling of large sums of money . When he was young he became a +member of an aristocratic club , and there , having charming +manners , he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long +purses and expensive habits . He learned to play heavily at cards +and to squander money on the turf , until he had again and again +to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his +allowance , that he might settle his debts of honour . He tried +more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he +was keeping , but each time the influence of his friend , Sir +George Burnwell , was enough to draw him back again . + +" And , indeed , I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George +Burnwell should gain an influence over him , for he has frequently +brought him to my house , and I have found myself that I could +hardly resist the fascination of his manner . He is older than +Arthur , a man of the world to his finger - tips , one who had been +everywhere , seen everything , a brilliant talker , and a man of +great personal beauty . Yet when I think of him in cold blood , far +away from the glamour of his presence , I am convinced from his +cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that +he is one who should be deeply distrusted . So I think , and so , +too , thinks my little Mary , who has a woman's quick insight into +character . + +" And now there is only she to be described . She is my niece ; but +when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the +world I adopted her , and have looked upon her ever since as my +daughter . She is a sunbeam in my house - sweet , loving , beautiful , +a wonderful manager and housekeeper , yet as tender and quiet and +gentle as a woman could be . She is my right hand . I do not know +what I could do without her . In only one matter has she ever gone +against my wishes . Twice my boy has asked her to marry him , for +he loves her devotedly , but each time she has refused him . I +think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it +would have been she , and that his marriage might have changed his +whole life ; but now , alas ! it is too late - forever too late ! + +" Now , Mr . Holmes , you know the people who live under my roof , and +I shall continue with my miserable story . + +" When we were taking coffee in the drawing - room that night after +dinner , I told Arthur and Mary my experience , and of the precious +treasure which we had under our roof , suppressing only the name +of my client . Lucy Parr , who had brought in the coffee , had , I am +sure , left the room ; but I cannot swear that the door was closed . +Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous +coronet , but I thought it better not to disturb it . + + ' Where have you put it ' asked Arthur . + + ' In my own bureau ' + + ' Well , I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the +night ' said he . + + ' It is locked up ' I answered . + + ' Oh , any old key will fit that bureau . When I was a youngster I +have opened it myself with the key of the box - room cupboard ' + +" He often had a wild way of talking , so that I thought little of +what he said . He followed me to my room , however , that night with +a very grave face . + + ' Look here , dad ' said he with his eyes cast down , ' can you let +me have 200 pounds ' + + ' No , I cannot ' I answered sharply . ' I have been far too +generous with you in money matters ' + + ' You have been very kind ' said he , ' but I must have this money , +or else I can never show my face inside the club again ' + + ' And a very good thing , too ' I cried . + + ' Yes , but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man ' +said he . ' I could not bear the disgrace . I must raise the money +in some way , and if you will not let me have it , then I must try +other means ' + +" I was very angry , for this was the third demand during the +month . ' You shall not have a farthing from me ' I cried , on which +he bowed and left the room without another word . + +" When he was gone I unlocked my bureau , made sure that my +treasure was safe , and locked it again . Then I started to go +round the house to see that all was secure - a duty which I +usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform +myself that night . As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself +at the side window of the hall , which she closed and fastened as +I approached . + + ' Tell me , dad ' said she , looking , I thought , a little +disturbed , ' did you give Lucy , the maid , leave to go out +to - night ' + + ' Certainly not ' + + ' She came in just now by the back door . I have no doubt that she +has only been to the side gate to see someone , but I think that +it is hardly safe and should be stopped ' + + ' You must speak to her in the morning , or I will if you prefer +it . Are you sure that everything is fastened ' + + ' Quite sure , dad ' + + ' Then , good - night ' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom +again , where I was soon asleep . + +" I am endeavouring to tell you everything , Mr . Holmes , which may +have any bearing upon the case , but I beg that you will question +me upon any point which I do not make clear " + +" On the contrary , your statement is singularly lucid " + +" I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be +particularly so . I am not a very heavy sleeper , and the anxiety +in my mind tended , no doubt , to make me even less so than usual . +About two in the morning , then , I was awakened by some sound in +the house . It had ceased ere I was wide awake , but it had left an +impression behind it as though a window had gently closed +somewhere . I lay listening with all my ears . Suddenly , to my +horror , there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in +the next room . I slipped out of bed , all palpitating with fear , +and peeped round the corner of my dressing - room door . + + ' Arthur ' I screamed , ' you villain ! you thief ! How dare you +touch that coronet ' + +" The gas was half up , as I had left it , and my unhappy boy , +dressed only in his shirt and trousers , was standing beside the +light , holding the coronet in his hands . He appeared to be +wrenching at it , or bending it with all his strength . At my cry +he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death . I +snatched it up and examined it . One of the gold corners , with +three of the beryls in it , was missing . + + ' You blackguard ' I shouted , beside myself with rage . ' You have +destroyed it ! You have dishonoured me forever ! Where are the +jewels which you have stolen ' + + ' Stolen ' he cried . + + ' Yes , thief ' I roared , shaking him by the shoulder . + + ' There are none missing . There cannot be any missing ' said he . + + ' There are three missing . And you know where they are . Must I +call you a liar as well as a thief ? Did I not see you trying to +tear off another piece ' + + ' You have called me names enough ' said he , ' I will not stand it +any longer . I shall not say another word about this business , +since you have chosen to insult me . I will leave your house in +the morning and make my own way in the world ' + + ' You shall leave it in the hands of the police ' I cried +half - mad with grief and rage . ' I shall have this matter probed to +the bottom ' + + ' You shall learn nothing from me ' said he with a passion such +as I should not have thought was in his nature . ' If you choose to +call the police , let the police find what they can ' + +" By this time the whole house was astir , for I had raised my +voice in my anger . Mary was the first to rush into my room , and , +at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face , she read the +whole story and , with a scream , fell down senseless on the +ground . I sent the house - maid for the police and put the +investigation into their hands at once . When the inspector and a +constable entered the house , Arthur , who had stood sullenly with +his arms folded , asked me whether it was my intention to charge +him with theft . I answered that it had ceased to be a private +matter , but had become a public one , since the ruined coronet was +national property . I was determined that the law should have its +way in everything . + + ' At least ' said he , ' you will not have me arrested at once . It +would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the +house for five minutes ' + + ' That you may get away , or perhaps that you may conceal what you +have stolen ' said I . And then , realising the dreadful position +in which I was placed , I implored him to remember that not only +my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at +stake ; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would +convulse the nation . He might avert it all if he would but tell +me what he had done with the three missing stones . + + ' You may as well face the matter ' said I ; ' you have been caught +in the act , and no confession could make your guilt more heinous . +If you but make such reparation as is in your power , by telling +us where the beryls are , all shall be forgiven and forgotten ' + + ' Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it ' he answered , +turning away from me with a sneer . I saw that he was too hardened +for any words of mine to influence him . There was but one way for +it . I called in the inspector and gave him into custody . A search +was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of +every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed +the gems ; but no trace of them could be found , nor would the +wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our +threats . This morning he was removed to a cell , and I , after +going through all the police formalities , have hurried round to +you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter . +The police have openly confessed that they can at present make +nothing of it . You may go to any expense which you think +necessary . I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds . My +God , what shall I do ! I have lost my honour , my gems , and my son +in one night . Oh , what shall I do " + +He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to +and fro , droning to himself like a child whose grief has got +beyond words . + +Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes , with his brows +knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire . + +" Do you receive much company " he asked . + +" None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of +Arthur's . Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately . No +one else , I think " + +" Do you go out much in society " + +" Arthur does . Mary and I stay at home . We neither of us care for +it " + +" That is unusual in a young girl " + +" She is of a quiet nature . Besides , she is not so very young . She +is four - and - twenty " + +" This matter , from what you say , seems to have been a shock to +her also " + +" Terrible ! She is even more affected than I " + +" You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt " + +" How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet +in his hands " + +" I hardly consider that a conclusive proof . Was the remainder of +the coronet at all injured " + +" Yes , it was twisted " + +" Do you not think , then , that he might have been trying to +straighten it " + +" God bless you ! You are doing what you can for him and for me . +But it is too heavy a task . What was he doing there at all ? If +his purpose were innocent , why did he not say so " + +" Precisely . And if it were guilty , why did he not invent a lie ? +His silence appears to me to cut both ways . There are several +singular points about the case . What did the police think of the +noise which awoke you from your sleep " + +" They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his +bedroom door " + +" A likely story ! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door +so as to wake a household . What did they say , then , of the +disappearance of these gems " + +" They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture +in the hope of finding them " + +" Have they thought of looking outside the house " + +" Yes , they have shown extraordinary energy . The whole garden has +already been minutely examined " + +" Now , my dear sir " said Holmes , " is it not obvious to you now +that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you +or the police were at first inclined to think ? It appeared to you +to be a simple case ; to me it seems exceedingly complex . Consider +what is involved by your theory . You suppose that your son came +down from his bed , went , at great risk , to your dressing - room , +opened your bureau , took out your coronet , broke off by main +force a small portion of it , went off to some other place , +concealed three gems out of the thirty - nine , with such skill that +nobody can find them , and then returned with the other thirty - six +into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger +of being discovered . I ask you now , is such a theory tenable " + +" But what other is there " cried the banker with a gesture of +despair . " If his motives were innocent , why does he not explain +them " + +" It is our task to find that out " replied Holmes ; " so now , if +you please , Mr . Holder , we will set off for Streatham together , +and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into +details " + +My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition , +which I was eager enough to do , for my curiosity and sympathy +were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened . I +confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be +as obvious as it did to his unhappy father , but still I had such +faith in Holmes ' judgment that I felt that there must be some +grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted +explanation . He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the +southern suburb , but sat with his chin upon his breast and his +hat drawn over his eyes , sunk in the deepest thought . Our client +appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope +which had been presented to him , and he even broke into a +desultory chat with me over his business affairs . A short railway +journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank , the modest +residence of the great financier . + +Fairbank was a good - sized square house of white stone , standing +back a little from the road . A double carriage - sweep , with a +snow - clad lawn , stretched down in front to two large iron gates +which closed the entrance . On the right side was a small wooden +thicket , which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges +stretching from the road to the kitchen door , and forming the +tradesmen's entrance . On the left ran a lane which led to the +stables , and was not itself within the grounds at all , being a +public , though little used , thoroughfare . Holmes left us standing +at the door and walked slowly all round the house , across the +front , down the tradesmen's path , and so round by the garden +behind into the stable lane . So long was he that Mr . Holder and I +went into the dining - room and waited by the fire until he should +return . We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and +a young lady came in . She was rather above the middle height , +slim , with dark hair and eyes , which seemed the darker against +the absolute pallor of her skin . I do not think that I have ever +seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face . Her lips , too , were +bloodless , but her eyes were flushed with crying . As she swept +silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of +grief than the banker had done in the morning , and it was the +more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong +character , with immense capacity for self - restraint . Disregarding +my presence , she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand +over his head with a sweet womanly caress . + +" You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated , have you +not , dad " she asked . + +" No , no , my girl , the matter must be probed to the bottom " + +" But I am so sure that he is innocent . You know what woman's +instincts are . I know that he has done no harm and that you will +be sorry for having acted so harshly " + +" Why is he silent , then , if he is innocent " + +" Who knows ? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should +suspect him " + +" How could I help suspecting him , when I actually saw him with +the coronet in his hand " + +" Oh , but he had only picked it up to look at it . Oh , do , do take +my word for it that he is innocent . Let the matter drop and say +no more . It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in +prison " + +" I shall never let it drop until the gems are found - never , Mary ! +Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences +to me . Far from hushing the thing up , I have brought a gentleman +down from London to inquire more deeply into it " + +" This gentleman " she asked , facing round to me . + +" No , his friend . He wished us to leave him alone . He is round in +the stable lane now " + +" The stable lane " She raised her dark eyebrows . " What can he +hope to find there ? Ah ! this , I suppose , is he . I trust , sir , +that you will succeed in proving , what I feel sure is the truth , +that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime " + +" I fully share your opinion , and I trust , with you , that we may +prove it " returned Holmes , going back to the mat to knock the +snow from his shoes . " I believe I have the honour of addressing +Miss Mary Holder . Might I ask you a question or two " + +" Pray do , sir , if it may help to clear this horrible affair up " + +" You heard nothing yourself last night " + +" Nothing , until my uncle here began to speak loudly . I heard +that , and I came down " + +" You shut up the windows and doors the night before . Did you +fasten all the windows " + +" Yes " + +" Were they all fastened this morning " + +" Yes " + +" You have a maid who has a sweetheart ? I think that you remarked +to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him " + +" Yes , and she was the girl who waited in the drawing - room , and +who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet " + +" I see . You infer that she may have gone out to tell her +sweetheart , and that the two may have planned the robbery " + +" But what is the good of all these vague theories " cried the +banker impatiently , " when I have told you that I saw Arthur with +the coronet in his hands " + +" Wait a little , Mr . Holder . We must come back to that . About this +girl , Miss Holder . You saw her return by the kitchen door , I +presume " + +" Yes ; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I +met her slipping in . I saw the man , too , in the gloom " + +" Do you know him " + +" Oh , yes ! he is the green - grocer who brings our vegetables round . +His name is Francis Prosper " + +" He stood " said Holmes , " to the left of the door - that is to +say , farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door " + +" Yes , he did " + +" And he is a man with a wooden leg " + +Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive +black eyes . " Why , you are like a magician " said she . " How do you +know that " She smiled , but there was no answering smile in +Holmes ' thin , eager face . + +" I should be very glad now to go upstairs " said he . " I shall +probably wish to go over the outside of the house again . Perhaps +I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up " + +He walked swiftly round from one to the other , pausing only at +the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane . +This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill +with his powerful magnifying lens . " Now we shall go upstairs " +said he at last . + +The banker's dressing - room was a plainly furnished little +chamber , with a grey carpet , a large bureau , and a long mirror . +Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock . + +" Which key was used to open it " he asked . + +" That which my son himself indicated - that of the cupboard of the +lumber - room " + +" Have you it here " + +" That is it on the dressing - table " + +Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau . + +" It is a noiseless lock " said he . " It is no wonder that it did +not wake you . This case , I presume , contains the coronet . We must +have a look at it " He opened the case , and taking out the diadem +he laid it upon the table . It was a magnificent specimen of the +jeweller's art , and the thirty - six stones were the finest that I +have ever seen . At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge , +where a corner holding three gems had been torn away . + +" Now , Mr . Holder " said Holmes , " here is the corner which +corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost . Might I +beg that you will break it off " + +The banker recoiled in horror . " I should not dream of trying " +said he . + +" Then I will " Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it , but +without result . " I feel it give a little " said he ; " but , though +I am exceptionally strong in the fingers , it would take me all my +time to break it . An ordinary man could not do it . Now , what do +you think would happen if I did break it , Mr . Holder ? There would +be a noise like a pistol shot . Do you tell me that all this +happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard +nothing of it " + +" I do not know what to think . It is all dark to me " + +" But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go . What do you think , +Miss Holder " + +" I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity " + +" Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him " + +" He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt " + +" Thank you . We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary +luck during this inquiry , and it will be entirely our own fault +if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up . With your +permission , Mr . Holder , I shall now continue my investigations +outside " + +He went alone , at his own request , for he explained that any +unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult . For an +hour or more he was at work , returning at last with his feet +heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever . + +" I think that I have seen now all that there is to see , Mr . +Holder " said he ; " I can serve you best by returning to my +rooms " + +" But the gems , Mr . Holmes . Where are they " + +" I cannot tell " + +The banker wrung his hands . " I shall never see them again " he +cried . " And my son ? You give me hopes " + +" My opinion is in no way altered " + +" Then , for God's sake , what was this dark business which was +acted in my house last night " + +" If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to - morrow +morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to +make it clearer . I understand that you give me carte blanche to +act for you , provided only that I get back the gems , and that you +place no limit on the sum I may draw " + +" I would give my fortune to have them back " + +" Very good . I shall look into the matter between this and then . +Good - bye ; it is just possible that I may have to come over here +again before evening " + +It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up +about the case , although what his conclusions were was more than +I could even dimly imagine . Several times during our homeward +journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point , but he always +glided away to some other topic , until at last I gave it over in +despair . It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our +rooms once more . He hurried to his chamber and was down again in +a few minutes dressed as a common loafer . With his collar turned +up , his shiny , seedy coat , his red cravat , and his worn boots , he +was a perfect sample of the class . + +" I think that this should do " said he , glancing into the glass +above the fireplace . " I only wish that you could come with me , +Watson , but I fear that it won't do . I may be on the trail in +this matter , or I may be following a will - o - the - wisp , but I +shall soon know which it is . I hope that I may be back in a few +hours " He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard , +sandwiched it between two rounds of bread , and thrusting this +rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition . + +I had just finished my tea when he returned , evidently in +excellent spirits , swinging an old elastic - sided boot in his +hand . He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a +cup of tea . + +" I only looked in as I passed " said he . " I am going right on " + +" Where to " + +" Oh , to the other side of the West End . It may be some time +before I get back . Don't wait up for me in case I should be +late " + +" How are you getting on " + +" Oh , so so . Nothing to complain of . I have been out to Streatham +since I saw you last , but I did not call at the house . It is a +very sweet little problem , and I would not have missed it for a +good deal . However , I must not sit gossiping here , but must get +these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly +respectable self " + +I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for +satisfaction than his words alone would imply . His eyes twinkled , +and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks . He +hastened upstairs , and a few minutes later I heard the slam of +the hall door , which told me that he was off once more upon his +congenial hunt . + +I waited until midnight , but there was no sign of his return , so +I retired to my room . It was no uncommon thing for him to be away +for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent , so that +his lateness caused me no surprise . I do not know at what hour he +came in , but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there +he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the +other , as fresh and trim as possible . + +" You will excuse my beginning without you , Watson " said he , " but +you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this +morning " + +" Why , it is after nine now " I answered . " I should not be +surprised if that were he . I thought I heard a ring " + +It was , indeed , our friend the financier . I was shocked by the +change which had come over him , for his face which was naturally +of a broad and massive mould , was now pinched and fallen in , +while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter . He entered +with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than +his violence of the morning before , and he dropped heavily into +the armchair which I pushed forward for him . + +" I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried " said +he . " Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man , without +a care in the world . Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured +age . One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another . My niece , +Mary , has deserted me " + +" Deserted you " + +" Yes . Her bed this morning had not been slept in , her room was +empty , and a note for me lay upon the hall table . I had said to +her last night , in sorrow and not in anger , that if she had +married my boy all might have been well with him . Perhaps it was +thoughtless of me to say so . It is to that remark that she refers +in this note : + + ' MY DEAREST UNCLE -- I feel that I have brought trouble upon you , +and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune +might never have occurred . I cannot , with this thought in my +mind , ever again be happy under your roof , and I feel that I must +leave you forever . Do not worry about my future , for that is +provided for ; and , above all , do not search for me , for it will +be fruitless labour and an ill - service to me . In life or in +death , I am ever your loving -- MARY ' + +" What could she mean by that note , Mr . Holmes ? Do you think it +points to suicide " + +" No , no , nothing of the kind . It is perhaps the best possible +solution . I trust , Mr . Holder , that you are nearing the end of +your troubles " + +" Ha ! You say so ! You have heard something , Mr . Holmes ; you have +learned something ! Where are the gems " + +" You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for +them " + +" I would pay ten " + +" That would be unnecessary . Three thousand will cover the matter . +And there is a little reward , I fancy . Have you your check - book ? +Here is a pen . Better make it out for 4000 pounds " + +With a dazed face the banker made out the required check . Holmes +walked over to his desk , took out a little triangular piece of +gold with three gems in it , and threw it down upon the table . + +With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up . + +" You have it " he gasped . " I am saved ! I am saved " + +The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been , and +he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom . + +" There is one other thing you owe , Mr . Holder " said Sherlock +Holmes rather sternly . + +" Owe " He caught up a pen . " Name the sum , and I will pay it " + +" No , the debt is not to me . You owe a very humble apology to that +noble lad , your son , who has carried himself in this matter as I +should be proud to see my own son do , should I ever chance to +have one " + +" Then it was not Arthur who took them " + +" I told you yesterday , and I repeat to - day , that it was not " + +" You are sure of it ! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him +know that the truth is known " + +" He knows it already . When I had cleared it all up I had an +interview with him , and finding that he would not tell me the +story , I told it to him , on which he had to confess that I was +right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite +clear to me . Your news of this morning , however , may open his +lips " + +" For heaven's sake , tell me , then , what is this extraordinary +mystery " + +" I will do so , and I will show you the steps by which I reached +it . And let me say to you , first , that which it is hardest for me +to say and for you to hear : there has been an understanding +between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary . They have now +fled together " + +" My Mary ? Impossible " + +" It is unfortunately more than possible ; it is certain . Neither +you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you +admitted him into your family circle . He is one of the most +dangerous men in England - a ruined gambler , an absolutely +desperate villain , a man without heart or conscience . Your niece +knew nothing of such men . When he breathed his vows to her , as he +had done to a hundred before her , she flattered herself that she +alone had touched his heart . The devil knows best what he said , +but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing +him nearly every evening " + +" I cannot , and I will not , believe it " cried the banker with an +ashen face . + +" I will tell you , then , what occurred in your house last night . +Your niece , when you had , as she thought , gone to your room , +slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which +leads into the stable lane . His footmarks had pressed right +through the snow , so long had he stood there . She told him of the +coronet . His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news , and he +bent her to his will . I have no doubt that she loved you , but +there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all +other loves , and I think that she must have been one . She had +hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming +downstairs , on which she closed the window rapidly and told you +about one of the servants ' escapade with her wooden - legged lover , +which was all perfectly true . + +" Your boy , Arthur , went to bed after his interview with you but +he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts . +In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door , +so he rose and , looking out , was surprised to see his cousin +walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared +into your dressing - room . Petrified with astonishment , the lad +slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what +would come of this strange affair . Presently she emerged from the +room again , and in the light of the passage - lamp your son saw +that she carried the precious coronet in her hands . She passed +down the stairs , and he , thrilling with horror , ran along and +slipped behind the curtain near your door , whence he could see +what passed in the hall beneath . He saw her stealthily open the +window , hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom , and then +closing it once more hurry back to her room , passing quite close +to where he stood hid behind the curtain . + +" As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action +without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved . But the +instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune +this would be for you , and how all - important it was to set it +right . He rushed down , just as he was , in his bare feet , opened +the window , sprang out into the snow , and ran down the lane , +where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight . Sir George +Burnwell tried to get away , but Arthur caught him , and there was +a struggle between them , your lad tugging at one side of the +coronet , and his opponent at the other . In the scuffle , your son +struck Sir George and cut him over the eye . Then something +suddenly snapped , and your son , finding that he had the coronet +in his hands , rushed back , closed the window , ascended to your +room , and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in +the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you +appeared upon the scene " + +" Is it possible " gasped the banker . + +" You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when +he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks . He could not +explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who +certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands . He +took the more chivalrous view , however , and preserved her +secret " + +" And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the +coronet " cried Mr . Holder . " Oh , my God ! what a blind fool I have +been ! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes ! +The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the +scene of the struggle . How cruelly I have misjudged him " + +" When I arrived at the house " continued Holmes , " I at once went +very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in +the snow which might help me . I knew that none had fallen since +the evening before , and also that there had been a strong frost +to preserve impressions . I passed along the tradesmen's path , but +found it all trampled down and indistinguishable . Just beyond it , +however , at the far side of the kitchen door , a woman had stood +and talked with a man , whose round impressions on one side showed +that he had a wooden leg . I could even tell that they had been +disturbed , for the woman had run back swiftly to the door , as was +shown by the deep toe and light heel marks , while Wooden - leg had +waited a little , and then had gone away . I thought at the time +that this might be the maid and her sweetheart , of whom you had +already spoken to me , and inquiry showed it was so . I passed +round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks , +which I took to be the police ; but when I got into the stable +lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in +front of me . + +" There was a double line of tracks of a booted man , and a second +double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked +feet . I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the +latter was your son . The first had walked both ways , but the +other had run swiftly , and as his tread was marked in places over +the depression of the boot , it was obvious that he had passed +after the other . I followed them up and found they led to the +hall window , where Boots had worn all the snow away while +waiting . Then I walked to the other end , which was a hundred +yards or more down the lane . I saw where Boots had faced round , +where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle , +and , finally , where a few drops of blood had fallen , to show me +that I was not mistaken . Boots had then run down the lane , and +another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been +hurt . When he came to the highroad at the other end , I found that +the pavement had been cleared , so there was an end to that clue . + +" On entering the house , however , I examined , as you remember , the +sill and framework of the hall window with my lens , and I could +at once see that someone had passed out . I could distinguish the +outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming +in . I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what +had occurred . A man had waited outside the window ; someone had +brought the gems ; the deed had been overseen by your son ; he had +pursued the thief ; had struggled with him ; they had each tugged +at the coronet , their united strength causing injuries which +neither alone could have effected . He had returned with the +prize , but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent . So +far I was clear . The question now was , who was the man and who +was it brought him the coronet ? + +" It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the +impossible , whatever remains , however improbable , must be the +truth . Now , I knew that it was not you who had brought it down , +so there only remained your niece and the maids . But if it were +the maids , why should your son allow himself to be accused in +their place ? There could be no possible reason . As he loved his +cousin , however , there was an excellent explanation why he should +retain her secret - the more so as the secret was a disgraceful +one . When I remembered that you had seen her at that window , and +how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again , my conjecture +became a certainty . + +" And who could it be who was her confederate ? A lover evidently , +for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must +feel to you ? I knew that you went out little , and that your +circle of friends was a very limited one . But among them was Sir +George Burnwell . I had heard of him before as being a man of evil +reputation among women . It must have been he who wore those boots +and retained the missing gems . Even though he knew that Arthur +had discovered him , he might still flatter himself that he was +safe , for the lad could not say a word without compromising his +own family . + +" Well , your own good sense will suggest what measures I took +next . I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house , +managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet , learned that +his master had cut his head the night before , and , finally , at +the expense of six shillings , made all sure by buying a pair of +his cast - off shoes . With these I journeyed down to Streatham and +saw that they exactly fitted the tracks " + +" I saw an ill - dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening " +said Mr . Holder . + +" Precisely . It was I . I found that I had my man , so I came home +and changed my clothes . It was a delicate part which I had to +play then , for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert +scandal , and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our +hands were tied in the matter . I went and saw him . At first , of +course , he denied everything . But when I gave him every +particular that had occurred , he tried to bluster and took down a +life - preserver from the wall . I knew my man , however , and I +clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike . Then he +became a little more reasonable . I told him that we would give +him a price for the stones he held - 1000 pounds apiece . That +brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown . ' Why , +dash it all ' said he , ' I ' ve let them go at six hundred for the +three ' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had +them , on promising him that there would be no prosecution . Off I +set to him , and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 +pounds apiece . Then I looked in upon your son , told him that all +was right , and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock , after +what I may call a really hard day's work " + +" A day which has saved England from a great public scandal " said +the banker , rising . " Sir , I cannot find words to thank you , but +you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done . Your +skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it . And now I +must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I +have done him . As to what you tell me of poor Mary , it goes to my +very heart . Not even your skill can inform me where she is now " + +" I think that we may safely say " returned Holmes , " that she is +wherever Sir George Burnwell is . It is equally certain , too , that +whatever her sins are , they will soon receive a more than +sufficient punishment " + + + +XII . THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES + +" To the man who loves art for its own sake " remarked Sherlock +Holmes , tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily +Telegraph , " it is frequently in its least important and lowliest +manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived . It is +pleasant to me to observe , Watson , that you have so far grasped +this truth that in these little records of our cases which you +have been good enough to draw up , and , I am bound to say , +occasionally to embellish , you have given prominence not so much +to the many causes celebres and sensational trials in which I +have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been +trivial in themselves , but which have given room for those +faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made +my special province " + +" And yet " said I , smiling , " I cannot quite hold myself absolved +from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my +records " + +" You have erred , perhaps " he observed , taking up a glowing +cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry - wood +pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a +disputatious rather than a meditative mood -" you have erred +perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your +statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing +upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is +really the only notable feature about the thing " + +" It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter " +I remarked with some coldness , for I was repelled by the egotism +which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my +friend's singular character . + +" No , it is not selfishness or conceit " said he , answering , as +was his wont , my thoughts rather than my words . " If I claim full +justice for my art , it is because it is an impersonal thing - a +thing beyond myself . Crime is common . Logic is rare . Therefore it +is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should +dwell . You have degraded what should have been a course of +lectures into a series of tales " + +It was a cold morning of the early spring , and we sat after +breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at +Baker Street . A thick fog rolled down between the lines of +dun - coloured houses , and the opposing windows loomed like dark , +shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths . Our gas was lit +and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal , for +the table had not been cleared yet . Sherlock Holmes had been +silent all the morning , dipping continuously into the +advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last , +having apparently given up his search , he had emerged in no very +sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings . + +" At the same time " he remarked after a pause , during which he +had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire , +" you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism , for out of +these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself +in , a fair proportion do not treat of crime , in its legal sense , +at all . The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King +of Bohemia , the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland , the +problem connected with the man with the twisted lip , and the +incident of the noble bachelor , were all matters which are +outside the pale of the law . But in avoiding the sensational , I +fear that you may have bordered on the trivial " + +" The end may have been so " I answered , " but the methods I hold +to have been novel and of interest " + +" Pshaw , my dear fellow , what do the public , the great unobservant +public , who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a +compositor by his left thumb , care about the finer shades of +analysis and deduction ! But , indeed , if you are trivial , I cannot +blame you , for the days of the great cases are past . Man , or at +least criminal man , has lost all enterprise and originality . As +to my own little practice , it seems to be degenerating into an +agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to +young ladies from boarding - schools . I think that I have touched +bottom at last , however . This note I had this morning marks my +zero - point , I fancy . Read it " He tossed a crumpled letter across +to me . + +It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening , and +ran thus : + +" DEAR MR . HOLMES -- I am very anxious to consult you as to whether +I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered +to me as governess . I shall call at half - past ten to - morrow if I +do not inconvenience you . Yours faithfully , + " VIOLET HUNTER " + +" Do you know the young lady " I asked . + +" Not I " + +" It is half - past ten now " + +" Yes , and I have no doubt that is her ring " + +" It may turn out to be of more interest than you think . You +remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle , which appeared to +be a mere whim at first , developed into a serious investigation . +It may be so in this case , also " + +" Well , let us hope so . But our doubts will very soon be solved , +for here , unless I am much mistaken , is the person in question " + +As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room . +She was plainly but neatly dressed , with a bright , quick face , +freckled like a plover's egg , and with the brisk manner of a +woman who has had her own way to make in the world . + +" You will excuse my troubling you , I am sure " said she , as my +companion rose to greet her , " but I have had a very strange +experience , and as I have no parents or relations of any sort +from whom I could ask advice , I thought that perhaps you would be +kind enough to tell me what I should do " + +" Pray take a seat , Miss Hunter . I shall be happy to do anything +that I can to serve you " + +I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner +and speech of his new client . He looked her over in his searching +fashion , and then composed himself , with his lids drooping and +his finger - tips together , to listen to her story . + +" I have been a governess for five years " said she , " in the +family of Colonel Spence Munro , but two months ago the colonel +received an appointment at Halifax , in Nova Scotia , and took his +children over to America with him , so that I found myself without +a situation . I advertised , and I answered advertisements , but +without success . At last the little money which I had saved began +to run short , and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do . + +" There is a well - known agency for governesses in the West End +called Westaway's , and there I used to call about once a week in +order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me . +Westaway was the name of the founder of the business , but it is +really managed by Miss Stoper . She sits in her own little office , +and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom , +and are then shown in one by one , when she consults her ledgers +and sees whether she has anything which would suit them . + +" Well , when I called last week I was shown into the little office +as usual , but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone . A +prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy +chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at +her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose , looking very +earnestly at the ladies who entered . As I came in he gave quite a +jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper . + + ' That will do ' said he ; ' I could not ask for anything better . +Capital ! capital ' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his +hands together in the most genial fashion . He was such a +comfortable - looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at +him . + + ' You are looking for a situation , miss ' he asked . + + ' Yes , sir ' + + ' As governess ' + + ' Yes , sir ' + + ' And what salary do you ask ' + + ' I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence +Munro ' + + ' Oh , tut , tut ! sweating - rank sweating ' he cried , throwing his +fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling +passion . ' How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with +such attractions and accomplishments ' + + ' My accomplishments , sir , may be less than you imagine ' said I . +' A little French , a little German , music , and drawing -' + + ' Tut , tut ' he cried . ' This is all quite beside the question . +The point is , have you or have you not the bearing and deportment +of a lady ? There it is in a nutshell . If you have not , you are +not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a +considerable part in the history of the country . But if you have +why , then , how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to +accept anything under the three figures ? Your salary with me , +madam , would commence at 100 pounds a year ' + +" You may imagine , Mr . Holmes , that to me , destitute as I was , +such an offer seemed almost too good to be true . The gentleman , +however , seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face , +opened a pocket - book and took out a note . + + ' It is also my custom ' said he , smiling in the most pleasant +fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid +the white creases of his face , ' to advance to my young ladies +half their salary beforehand , so that they may meet any little +expenses of their journey and their wardrobe ' + +" It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so +thoughtful a man . As I was already in debt to my tradesmen , the +advance was a great convenience , and yet there was something +unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know +a little more before I quite committed myself . + + ' May I ask where you live , sir ' said I . + + ' Hampshire . Charming rural place . The Copper Beeches , five miles +on the far side of Winchester . It is the most lovely country , my +dear young lady , and the dearest old country - house ' + + ' And my duties , sir ? I should be glad to know what they would +be ' + + ' One child - one dear little romper just six years old . Oh , if +you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper ! Smack ! +smack ! smack ! Three gone before you could wink ' He leaned back +in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again . + +" I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement , +but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was +joking . + + ' My sole duties , then ' I asked , ' are to take charge of a single +child ' + + ' No , no , not the sole , not the sole , my dear young lady ' he +cried . ' Your duty would be , as I am sure your good sense would +suggest , to obey any little commands my wife might give , provided +always that they were such commands as a lady might with +propriety obey . You see no difficulty , heh ' + + ' I should be happy to make myself useful ' + + ' Quite so . In dress now , for example . We are faddy people , you +know - faddy but kind - hearted . If you were asked to wear any dress +which we might give you , you would not object to our little whim . +Heh ' + + ' No ' said I , considerably astonished at his words . + + ' Or to sit here , or sit there , that would not be offensive to +you ' + + ' Oh , no ' + + ' Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us ' + +" I could hardly believe my ears . As you may observe , Mr . Holmes , +my hair is somewhat luxuriant , and of a rather peculiar tint of +chestnut . It has been considered artistic . I could not dream of +sacrificing it in this offhand fashion . + + ' I am afraid that that is quite impossible ' said I . He had been +watching me eagerly out of his small eyes , and I could see a +shadow pass over his face as I spoke . + + ' I am afraid that it is quite essential ' said he . ' It is a +little fancy of my wife's , and ladies ' fancies , you know , madam , +ladies ' fancies must be consulted . And so you won't cut your +hair ' + + ' No , sir , I really could not ' I answered firmly . + + ' Ah , very well ; then that quite settles the matter . It is a +pity , because in other respects you would really have done very +nicely . In that case , Miss Stoper , I had best inspect a few more +of your young ladies ' + +" The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers +without a word to either of us , but she glanced at me now with so +much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting +that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal . + + ' Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books ' she asked . + + ' If you please , Miss Stoper ' + + ' Well , really , it seems rather useless , since you refuse the +most excellent offers in this fashion ' said she sharply . ' You +can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such +opening for you . Good - day to you , Miss Hunter ' She struck a gong +upon the table , and I was shown out by the page . + +" Well , Mr . Holmes , when I got back to my lodgings and found +little enough in the cupboard , and two or three bills upon the +table , I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very +foolish thing . After all , if these people had strange fads and +expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters , they were +at least ready to pay for their eccentricity . Very few +governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year . Besides , +what use was my hair to me ? Many people are improved by wearing +it short and perhaps I should be among the number . Next day I was +inclined to think that I had made a mistake , and by the day after +I was sure of it . I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go +back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open +when I received this letter from the gentleman himself . I have it +here and I will read it to you : + + " ' The Copper Beeches , near Winchester . + ' DEAR MISS HUNTER -- Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your +address , and I write from here to ask you whether you have +reconsidered your decision . My wife is very anxious that you +should come , for she has been much attracted by my description of +you . We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter , or 120 pounds a +year , so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which +our fads may cause you . They are not very exacting , after all . My +wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would +like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning . You need +not , however , go to the expense of purchasing one , as we have one +belonging to my dear daughter Alice ( now in Philadelphia , which +would , I should think , fit you very well . Then , as to sitting +here or there , or amusing yourself in any manner indicated , that +need cause you no inconvenience . As regards your hair , it is no +doubt a pity , especially as I could not help remarking its beauty +during our short interview , but I am afraid that I must remain +firm upon this point , and I only hope that the increased salary +may recompense you for the loss . Your duties , as far as the child +is concerned , are very light . Now do try to come , and I shall +meet you with the dog - cart at Winchester . Let me know your train . +Yours faithfully , JEPHRO RUCASTLE ' + +" That is the letter which I have just received , Mr . Holmes , and +my mind is made up that I will accept it . I thought , however , +that before taking the final step I should like to submit the +whole matter to your consideration " + +" Well , Miss Hunter , if your mind is made up , that settles the +question " said Holmes , smiling . + +" But you would not advise me to refuse " + +" I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to +see a sister of mine apply for " + +" What is the meaning of it all , Mr . Holmes " + +" Ah , I have no data . I cannot tell . Perhaps you have yourself +formed some opinion " + +" Well , there seems to me to be only one possible solution . Mr . +Rucastle seemed to be a very kind , good - natured man . Is it not +possible that his wife is a lunatic , that he desires to keep the +matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum , and that +he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an +outbreak " + +" That is a possible solution - in fact , as matters stand , it is +the most probable one . But in any case it does not seem to be a +nice household for a young lady " + +" But the money , Mr . Holmes , the money " + +" Well , yes , of course the pay is good - too good . That is what +makes me uneasy . Why should they give you 120 pounds a year , when +they could have their pick for 40 pounds ? There must be some +strong reason behind " + +" I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would +understand afterwards if I wanted your help . I should feel so +much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me " + +" Oh , you may carry that feeling away with you . I assure you that +your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has +come my way for some months . There is something distinctly novel +about some of the features . If you should find yourself in doubt +or in danger -" + +" Danger ! What danger do you foresee " + +Holmes shook his head gravely . " It would cease to be a danger if +we could define it " said he . " But at any time , day or night , a +telegram would bring me down to your help " + +" That is enough " She rose briskly from her chair with the +anxiety all swept from her face . " I shall go down to Hampshire +quite easy in my mind now . I shall write to Mr . Rucastle at once , +sacrifice my poor hair to - night , and start for Winchester +to - morrow " With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both +good - night and bustled off upon her way . + +" At least " said I as we heard her quick , firm steps descending +the stairs , " she seems to be a young lady who is very well able +to take care of herself " + +" And she would need to be " said Holmes gravely . " I am much +mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past " + +It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled . +A fortnight went by , during which I frequently found my thoughts +turning in her direction and wondering what strange side - alley of +human experience this lonely woman had strayed into . The unusual +salary , the curious conditions , the light duties , all pointed to +something abnormal , though whether a fad or a plot , or whether +the man were a philanthropist or a villain , it was quite beyond +my powers to determine . As to Holmes , I observed that he sat +frequently for half an hour on end , with knitted brows and an +abstracted air , but he swept the matter away with a wave of his +hand when I mentioned it . " Data ! data ! data " he cried +impatiently . " I can't make bricks without clay " And yet he would +always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever +have accepted such a situation . + +The telegram which we eventually received came late one night +just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down +to one of those all - night chemical researches which he frequently +indulged in , when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a +test - tube at night and find him in the same position when I came +down to breakfast in the morning . He opened the yellow envelope , +and then , glancing at the message , threw it across to me . + +" Just look up the trains in Bradshaw " said he , and turned back +to his chemical studies . + +The summons was a brief and urgent one . + +" Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday +to - morrow " it said . " Do come ! I am at my wit's end . HUNTER " + +" Will you come with me " asked Holmes , glancing up . + +" I should wish to " + +" Just look it up , then " + +" There is a train at half - past nine " said I , glancing over my +Bradshaw . " It is due at Winchester at 11 : 30 " + +" That will do very nicely . Then perhaps I had better postpone my +analysis of the acetones , as we may need to be at our best in the +morning " + +By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the +old English capital . Holmes had been buried in the morning papers +all the way down , but after we had passed the Hampshire border he +threw them down and began to admire the scenery . It was an ideal +spring day , a light blue sky , flecked with little fleecy white +clouds drifting across from west to east . The sun was shining +very brightly , and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air , +which set an edge to a man's energy . All over the countryside , +away to the rolling hills around Aldershot , the little red and +grey roofs of the farm - steadings peeped out from amid the light +green of the new foliage . + +" Are they not fresh and beautiful " I cried with all the +enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street . + +But Holmes shook his head gravely . + +" Do you know , Watson " said he , " that it is one of the curses of +a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with +reference to my own special subject . You look at these scattered +houses , and you are impressed by their beauty . I look at them , +and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their +isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed +there " + +" Good heavens " I cried . " Who would associate crime with these +dear old homesteads " + +" They always fill me with a certain horror . It is my belief , +Watson , founded upon my experience , that the lowest and vilest +alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin +than does the smiling and beautiful countryside " + +" You horrify me " + +" But the reason is very obvious . The pressure of public opinion +can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish . There is no +lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child , or the thud of +a drunkard's blow , does not beget sympathy and indignation among +the neighbours , and then the whole machinery of justice is ever +so close that a word of complaint can set it going , and there is +but a step between the crime and the dock . But look at these +lonely houses , each in its own fields , filled for the most part +with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law . Think of the +deeds of hellish cruelty , the hidden wickedness which may go on , +year in , year out , in such places , and none the wiser . Had this +lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester , I +should never have had a fear for her . It is the five miles of +country which makes the danger . Still , it is clear that she is +not personally threatened " + +" No . If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away " + +" Quite so . She has her freedom " + +" What CAN be the matter , then ? Can you suggest no explanation " + +" I have devised seven separate explanations , each of which would +cover the facts as far as we know them . But which of these is +correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we +shall no doubt find waiting for us . Well , there is the tower of +the cathedral , and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has +to tell " + +The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street , at no +distance from the station , and there we found the young lady +waiting for us . She had engaged a sitting - room , and our lunch +awaited us upon the table . + +" I am so delighted that you have come " she said earnestly . " It +is so very kind of you both ; but indeed I do not know what I +should do . Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me " + +" Pray tell us what has happened to you " + +" I will do so , and I must be quick , for I have promised Mr . +Rucastle to be back before three . I got his leave to come into +town this morning , though he little knew for what purpose " + +" Let us have everything in its due order " Holmes thrust his long +thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen . + +" In the first place , I may say that I have met , on the whole , +with no actual ill - treatment from Mr . and Mrs . Rucastle . It is +only fair to them to say that . But I cannot understand them , and +I am not easy in my mind about them " + +" What can you not understand " + +" Their reasons for their conduct . But you shall have it all just +as it occurred . When I came down , Mr . Rucastle met me here and +drove me in his dog - cart to the Copper Beeches . It is , as he +said , beautifully situated , but it is not beautiful in itself , +for it is a large square block of a house , whitewashed , but all +stained and streaked with damp and bad weather . There are grounds +round it , woods on three sides , and on the fourth a field which +slopes down to the Southampton highroad , which curves past about +a hundred yards from the front door . This ground in front belongs +to the house , but the woods all round are part of Lord +Southerton's preserves . A clump of copper beeches immediately in +front of the hall door has given its name to the place . + +" I was driven over by my employer , who was as amiable as ever , +and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child . +There was no truth , Mr . Holmes , in the conjecture which seemed to +us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street . Mrs . Rucastle is +not mad . I found her to be a silent , pale - faced woman , much +younger than her husband , not more than thirty , I should think , +while he can hardly be less than forty - five . From their +conversation I have gathered that they have been married about +seven years , that he was a widower , and that his only child by +the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia . Mr . +Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them +was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother . As +the daughter could not have been less than twenty , I can quite +imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her +father's young wife . + +" Mrs . Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as +in feature . She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse . +She was a nonentity . It was easy to see that she was passionately +devoted both to her husband and to her little son . Her light grey +eyes wandered continually from one to the other , noting every +little want and forestalling it if possible . He was kind to her +also in his bluff , boisterous fashion , and on the whole they +seemed to be a happy couple . And yet she had some secret sorrow , +this woman . She would often be lost in deep thought , with the +saddest look upon her face . More than once I have surprised her +in tears . I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of +her child which weighed upon her mind , for I have never met so +utterly spoiled and so ill - natured a little creature . He is small +for his age , with a head which is quite disproportionately large . +His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between +savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking . Giving +pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea +of amusement , and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning +the capture of mice , little birds , and insects . But I would +rather not talk about the creature , Mr . Holmes , and , indeed , he +has little to do with my story " + +" I am glad of all details " remarked my friend , " whether they +seem to you to be relevant or not " + +" I shall try not to miss anything of importance . The one +unpleasant thing about the house , which struck me at once , was +the appearance and conduct of the servants . There are only two , a +man and his wife . Toller , for that is his name , is a rough , +uncouth man , with grizzled hair and whiskers , and a perpetual +smell of drink . Twice since I have been with them he has been +quite drunk , and yet Mr . Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it . +His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face , as +silent as Mrs . Rucastle and much less amiable . They are a most +unpleasant couple , but fortunately I spend most of my time in the +nursery and my own room , which are next to each other in one +corner of the building . + +" For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was +very quiet ; on the third , Mrs . Rucastle came down just after +breakfast and whispered something to her husband . + + ' Oh , yes ' said he , turning to me , ' we are very much obliged to +you , Miss Hunter , for falling in with our whims so far as to cut +your hair . I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest +iota from your appearance . We shall now see how the electric - blue +dress will become you . You will find it laid out upon the bed in +your room , and if you would be so good as to put it on we should +both be extremely obliged ' + +" The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade +of blue . It was of excellent material , a sort of beige , but it +bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before . It could not +have been a better fit if I had been measured for it . Both Mr . +and Mrs . Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it , which +seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence . They were waiting for +me in the drawing - room , which is a very large room , stretching +along the entire front of the house , with three long windows +reaching down to the floor . A chair had been placed close to the +central window , with its back turned towards it . In this I was +asked to sit , and then Mr . Rucastle , walking up and down on the +other side of the room , began to tell me a series of the funniest +stories that I have ever listened to . You cannot imagine how +comical he was , and I laughed until I was quite weary . Mrs . +Rucastle , however , who has evidently no sense of humour , never so +much as smiled , but sat with her hands in her lap , and a sad , +anxious look upon her face . After an hour or so , Mr . Rucastle +suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the +day , and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in +the nursery . + +" Two days later this same performance was gone through under +exactly similar circumstances . Again I changed my dress , again I +sat in the window , and again I laughed very heartily at the funny +stories of which my employer had an immense repertoire , and which +he told inimitably . Then he handed me a yellow - backed novel , and +moving my chair a little sideways , that my own shadow might not +fall upon the page , he begged me to read aloud to him . I read for +about ten minutes , beginning in the heart of a chapter , and then +suddenly , in the middle of a sentence , he ordered me to cease and +to change my dress . + +" You can easily imagine , Mr . Holmes , how curious I became as to +what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly +be . They were always very careful , I observed , to turn my face +away from the window , so that I became consumed with the desire +to see what was going on behind my back . At first it seemed to be +impossible , but I soon devised a means . My hand - mirror had been +broken , so a happy thought seized me , and I concealed a piece of +the glass in my handkerchief . On the next occasion , in the midst +of my laughter , I put my handkerchief up to my eyes , and was able +with a little management to see all that there was behind me . I +confess that I was disappointed . There was nothing . At least that +was my first impression . At the second glance , however , I +perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road , +a small bearded man in a grey suit , who seemed to be looking in +my direction . The road is an important highway , and there are +usually people there . This man , however , was leaning against the +railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up . I +lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs . Rucastle to find her +eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze . She said nothing , +but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my +hand and had seen what was behind me . She rose at once . + + ' Jephro ' said she , ' there is an impertinent fellow upon the +road there who stares up at Miss Hunter ' + + ' No friend of yours , Miss Hunter ' he asked . + + ' No , I know no one in these parts ' + + ' Dear me ! How very impertinent ! Kindly turn round and motion to +him to go away ' + + ' Surely it would be better to take no notice ' + + ' No , no , we should have him loitering here always . Kindly turn +round and wave him away like that ' + +" I did as I was told , and at the same instant Mrs . Rucastle drew +down the blind . That was a week ago , and from that time I have +not sat again in the window , nor have I worn the blue dress , nor +seen the man in the road " + +" Pray continue " said Holmes . " Your narrative promises to be a +most interesting one " + +" You will find it rather disconnected , I fear , and there may +prove to be little relation between the different incidents of +which I speak . On the very first day that I was at the Copper +Beeches , Mr . Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands +near the kitchen door . As we approached it I heard the sharp +rattling of a chain , and the sound as of a large animal moving +about . + + ' Look in here ' said Mr . Rucastle , showing me a slit between two +planks . ' Is he not a beauty ' + +" I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes , and of a +vague figure huddled up in the darkness . + + ' Don't be frightened ' said my employer , laughing at the start +which I had given . ' It's only Carlo , my mastiff . I call him mine , +but really old Toller , my groom , is the only man who can do +anything with him . We feed him once a day , and not too much then , +so that he is always as keen as mustard . Toller lets him loose +every night , and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs +upon . For goodness ' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your +foot over the threshold at night , for it's as much as your life +is worth ' + +" The warning was no idle one , for two nights later I happened to +look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning . +It was a beautiful moonlight night , and the lawn in front of the +house was silvered over and almost as bright as day . I was +standing , rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene , when I was +aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper +beeches . As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was . It +was a giant dog , as large as a calf , tawny tinted , with hanging +jowl , black muzzle , and huge projecting bones . It walked slowly +across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side . +That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not +think that any burglar could have done . + +" And now I have a very strange experience to tell you . I had , as +you know , cut off my hair in London , and I had placed it in a +great coil at the bottom of my trunk . One evening , after the +child was in bed , I began to amuse myself by examining the +furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things . +There was an old chest of drawers in the room , the two upper ones +empty and open , the lower one locked . I had filled the first two +with my linen , and as I had still much to pack away I was +naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer . It +struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight , +so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it . The very +first key fitted to perfection , and I drew the drawer open . There +was only one thing in it , but I am sure that you would never +guess what it was . It was my coil of hair . + +" I took it up and examined it . It was of the same peculiar tint , +and the same thickness . But then the impossibility of the thing +obtruded itself upon me . How could my hair have been locked in +the drawer ? With trembling hands I undid my trunk , turned out the +contents , and drew from the bottom my own hair . I laid the two +tresses together , and I assure you that they were identical . Was +it not extraordinary ? Puzzle as I would , I could make nothing at +all of what it meant . I returned the strange hair to the drawer , +and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that +I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had +locked . + +" I am naturally observant , as you may have remarked , Mr . Holmes , +and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head . +There was one wing , however , which appeared not to be inhabited +at all . A door which faced that which led into the quarters of +the Tollers opened into this suite , but it was invariably locked . +One day , however , as I ascended the stair , I met Mr . Rucastle +coming out through this door , his keys in his hand , and a look on +his face which made him a very different person to the round , +jovial man to whom I was accustomed . His cheeks were red , his +brow was all crinkled with anger , and the veins stood out at his +temples with passion . He locked the door and hurried past me +without a word or a look . + +" This aroused my curiosity , so when I went out for a walk in the +grounds with my charge , I strolled round to the side from which I +could see the windows of this part of the house . There were four +of them in a row , three of which were simply dirty , while the +fourth was shuttered up . They were evidently all deserted . As I +strolled up and down , glancing at them occasionally , Mr . Rucastle +came out to me , looking as merry and jovial as ever . + + ' Ah ' said he , ' you must not think me rude if I passed you +without a word , my dear young lady . I was preoccupied with +business matters ' + +" I assured him that I was not offended . ' By the way ' said I , +' you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there , and one +of them has the shutters up ' + +" He looked surprised and , as it seemed to me , a little startled +at my remark . + + ' Photography is one of my hobbies ' said he . ' I have made my +dark room up there . But , dear me ! what an observant young lady we +have come upon . Who would have believed it ? Who would have ever +believed it ' He spoke in a jesting tone , but there was no jest +in his eyes as he looked at me . I read suspicion there and +annoyance , but no jest . + +" Well , Mr . Holmes , from the moment that I understood that there +was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know , +I was all on fire to go over them . It was not mere curiosity , +though I have my share of that . It was more a feeling of duty - a +feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this +place . They talk of woman's instinct ; perhaps it was woman's +instinct which gave me that feeling . At any rate , it was there , +and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the +forbidden door . + +" It was only yesterday that the chance came . I may tell you that , +besides Mr . Rucastle , both Toller and his wife find something to +do in these deserted rooms , and I once saw him carrying a large +black linen bag with him through the door . Recently he has been +drinking hard , and yesterday evening he was very drunk ; and when +I came upstairs there was the key in the door . I have no doubt at +all that he had left it there . Mr . and Mrs . Rucastle were both +downstairs , and the child was with them , so that I had an +admirable opportunity . I turned the key gently in the lock , +opened the door , and slipped through . + +" There was a little passage in front of me , unpapered and +uncarpeted , which turned at a right angle at the farther end . +Round this corner were three doors in a line , the first and third +of which were open . They each led into an empty room , dusty and +cheerless , with two windows in the one and one in the other , so +thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through +them . The centre door was closed , and across the outside of it +had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed , padlocked +at one end to a ring in the wall , and fastened at the other with +stout cord . The door itself was locked as well , and the key was +not there . This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the +shuttered window outside , and yet I could see by the glimmer from +beneath it that the room was not in darkness . Evidently there was +a skylight which let in light from above . As I stood in the +passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it +might veil , I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room +and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little +slit of dim light which shone out from under the door . A mad , +unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight , Mr . Holmes . My +overstrung nerves failed me suddenly , and I turned and ran - ran +as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the +skirt of my dress . I rushed down the passage , through the door , +and straight into the arms of Mr . Rucastle , who was waiting +outside . + + ' So ' said he , smiling , ' it was you , then . I thought that it +must be when I saw the door open ' + + ' Oh , I am so frightened ' I panted . + + ' My dear young lady ! my dear young lady ' - you cannot think how +caressing and soothing his manner was - ' and what has frightened +you , my dear young lady ' + +" But his voice was just a little too coaxing . He overdid it . I +was keenly on my guard against him . + + ' I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing ' I answered . +' But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was +frightened and ran out again . Oh , it is so dreadfully still in +there ' + + ' Only that ' said he , looking at me keenly . + + ' Why , what did you think ' I asked . + + ' Why do you think that I lock this door ' + + ' I am sure that I do not know ' + + ' It is to keep people out who have no business there . Do you +see ' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner . + + ' I am sure if I had known -' + + ' Well , then , you know now . And if you ever put your foot over +that threshold again -- here in an instant the smile hardened into +a grin of rage , and he glared down at me with the face of a +demon - ' I ' ll throw you to the mastiff ' + +" I was so terrified that I do not know what I did . I suppose that +I must have rushed past him into my room . I remember nothing +until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over . Then I +thought of you , Mr . Holmes . I could not live there longer without +some advice . I was frightened of the house , of the man , of the +woman , of the servants , even of the child . They were all horrible +to me . If I could only bring you down all would be well . Of +course I might have fled from the house , but my curiosity was +almost as strong as my fears . My mind was soon made up . I would +send you a wire . I put on my hat and cloak , went down to the +office , which is about half a mile from the house , and then +returned , feeling very much easier . A horrible doubt came into my +mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose , but I +remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of +insensibility that evening , and I knew that he was the only one +in the household who had any influence with the savage creature , +or who would venture to set him free . I slipped in in safety and +lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you . +I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this +morning , but I must be back before three o'clock , for Mr . and +Mrs . Rucastle are going on a visit , and will be away all the +evening , so that I must look after the child . Now I have told you +all my adventures , Mr . Holmes , and I should be very glad if you +could tell me what it all means , and , above all , what I should +do " + +Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story . +My friend rose now and paced up and down the room , his hands in +his pockets , and an expression of the most profound gravity upon +his face . + +" Is Toller still drunk " he asked . + +" Yes . I heard his wife tell Mrs . Rucastle that she could do +nothing with him " + +" That is well . And the Rucastles go out to - night " + +" Yes " + +" Is there a cellar with a good strong lock " + +" Yes , the wine - cellar " + +" You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very +brave and sensible girl , Miss Hunter . Do you think that you could +perform one more feat ? I should not ask it of you if I did not +think you a quite exceptional woman " + +" I will try . What is it " + +" We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock , my friend +and I . The Rucastles will be gone by that time , and Toller will , +we hope , be incapable . There only remains Mrs . Toller , who might +give the alarm . If you could send her into the cellar on some +errand , and then turn the key upon her , you would facilitate +matters immensely " + +" I will do it " + +" Excellent ! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair . Of +course there is only one feasible explanation . You have been +brought there to personate someone , and the real person is +imprisoned in this chamber . That is obvious . As to who this +prisoner is , I have no doubt that it is the daughter , Miss Alice +Rucastle , if I remember right , who was said to have gone to +America . You were chosen , doubtless , as resembling her in height , +figure , and the colour of your hair . Hers had been cut off , very +possibly in some illness through which she has passed , and so , of +course , yours had to be sacrificed also . By a curious chance you +came upon her tresses . The man in the road was undoubtedly some +friend of hers - possibly her fiance - and no doubt , as you wore +the girl's dress and were so like her , he was convinced from your +laughter , whenever he saw you , and afterwards from your gesture , +that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy , and that she no longer +desired his attentions . The dog is let loose at night to prevent +him from endeavouring to communicate with her . So much is fairly +clear . The most serious point in the case is the disposition of +the child " + +" What on earth has that to do with it " I ejaculated . + +" My dear Watson , you as a medical man are continually gaining +light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the +parents . Don't you see that the converse is equally valid . I have +frequently gained my first real insight into the character of +parents by studying their children . This child's disposition is +abnormally cruel , merely for cruelty's sake , and whether he +derives this from his smiling father , as I should suspect , or +from his mother , it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their +power " + +" I am sure that you are right , Mr . Holmes " cried our client . " A +thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you +have hit it . Oh , let us lose not an instant in bringing help to +this poor creature " + +" We must be circumspect , for we are dealing with a very cunning +man . We can do nothing until seven o'clock . At that hour we shall +be with you , and it will not be long before we solve the +mystery " + +We were as good as our word , for it was just seven when we +reached the Copper Beeches , having put up our trap at a wayside +public - house . The group of trees , with their dark leaves shining +like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun , were +sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been +standing smiling on the door - step . + +" Have you managed it " asked Holmes . + +A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs . " That is +Mrs . Toller in the cellar " said she . " Her husband lies snoring +on the kitchen rug . Here are his keys , which are the duplicates +of Mr . Rucastle's " + +" You have done well indeed " cried Holmes with enthusiasm . " Now +lead the way , and we shall soon see the end of this black +business " + +We passed up the stair , unlocked the door , followed on down a +passage , and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss +Hunter had described . Holmes cut the cord and removed the +transverse bar . Then he tried the various keys in the lock , but +without success . No sound came from within , and at the silence +Holmes ' face clouded over . + +" I trust that we are not too late " said he . " I think , Miss +Hunter , that we had better go in without you . Now , Watson , put +your shoulder to it , and we shall see whether we cannot make our +way in " + +It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united +strength . Together we rushed into the room . It was empty . There +was no furniture save a little pallet bed , a small table , and a +basketful of linen . The skylight above was open , and the prisoner +gone . + +" There has been some villainy here " said Holmes ; " this beauty +has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim +off " + +" But how " + +" Through the skylight . We shall soon see how he managed it " He +swung himself up onto the roof . " Ah , yes " he cried , " here's the +end of a long light ladder against the eaves . That is how he did +it " + +" But it is impossible " said Miss Hunter ; " the ladder was not +there when the Rucastles went away " + +" He has come back and done it . I tell you that he is a clever and +dangerous man . I should not be very much surprised if this were +he whose step I hear now upon the stair . I think , Watson , that it +would be as well for you to have your pistol ready " + +The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at +the door of the room , a very fat and burly man , with a heavy +stick in his hand . Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the +wall at the sight of him , but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and +confronted him . + +" You villain " said he , " where's your daughter " + +The fat man cast his eyes round , and then up at the open +skylight . + +" It is for me to ask you that " he shrieked , " you thieves ! Spies +and thieves ! I have caught you , have I ? You are in my power . I ' ll +serve you " He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he +could go . + +" He's gone for the dog " cried Miss Hunter . + +" I have my revolver " said I . + +" Better close the front door " cried Holmes , and we all rushed +down the stairs together . We had hardly reached the hall when we +heard the baying of a hound , and then a scream of agony , with a +horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to . An +elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out +at a side door . + +" My God " he cried . " Someone has loosed the dog . It's not been +fed for two days . Quick , quick , or it ' ll be too late " + +Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house , with +Toller hurrying behind us . There was the huge famished brute , its +black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat , while he writhed and +screamed upon the ground . Running up , I blew its brains out , and +it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great +creases of his neck . With much labour we separated them and +carried him , living but horribly mangled , into the house . We laid +him upon the drawing - room sofa , and having dispatched the sobered +Toller to bear the news to his wife , I did what I could to +relieve his pain . We were all assembled round him when the door +opened , and a tall , gaunt woman entered the room . + +" Mrs . Toller " cried Miss Hunter . + +" Yes , miss . Mr . Rucastle let me out when he came back before he +went up to you . Ah , miss , it is a pity you didn't let me know +what you were planning , for I would have told you that your pains +were wasted " + +" Ha " said Holmes , looking keenly at her . " It is clear that Mrs . +Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else " + +" Yes , sir , I do , and I am ready enough to tell what I know " + +" Then , pray , sit down , and let us hear it for there are several +points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark " + +" I will soon make it clear to you " said she ; " and I ' d have done +so before now if I could ha ' got out from the cellar . If there's +police - court business over this , you ' ll remember that I was the +one that stood your friend , and that I was Miss Alice's friend +too . + +" She was never happy at home , Miss Alice wasn't , from the time +that her father married again . She was slighted like and had no +say in anything , but it never really became bad for her until +after she met Mr . Fowler at a friend's house . As well as I could +learn , Miss Alice had rights of her own by will , but she was so +quiet and patient , she was , that she never said a word about them +but just left everything in Mr . Rucastle's hands . He knew he was +safe with her ; but when there was a chance of a husband coming +forward , who would ask for all that the law would give him , then +her father thought it time to put a stop on it . He wanted her to +sign a paper , so that whether she married or not , he could use +her money . When she wouldn't do it , he kept on worrying her until +she got brain - fever , and for six weeks was at death's door . Then +she got better at last , all worn to a shadow , and with her +beautiful hair cut off ; but that didn't make no change in her +young man , and he stuck to her as true as man could be " + +" Ah " said Holmes , " I think that what you have been good enough +to tell us makes the matter fairly clear , and that I can deduce +all that remains . Mr . Rucastle then , I presume , took to this +system of imprisonment " + +" Yes , sir " + +" And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of +the disagreeable persistence of Mr . Fowler " + +" That was it , sir " + +" But Mr . Fowler being a persevering man , as a good seaman should +be , blockaded the house , and having met you succeeded by certain +arguments , metallic or otherwise , in convincing you that your +interests were the same as his " + +" Mr . Fowler was a very kind - spoken , free - handed gentleman " said +Mrs . Toller serenely . + +" And in this way he managed that your good man should have no +want of drink , and that a ladder should be ready at the moment +when your master had gone out " + +" You have it , sir , just as it happened " + +" I am sure we owe you an apology , Mrs . Toller " said Holmes , " for +you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us . And +here comes the country surgeon and Mrs . Rucastle , so I think , +Watson , that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester , +as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a +questionable one " + +And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the +copper beeches in front of the door . Mr . Rucastle survived , but +was always a broken man , kept alive solely through the care of +his devoted wife . They still live with their old servants , who +probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it +difficult to part from them . Mr . Fowler and Miss Rucastle were +married , by special license , in Southampton the day after their +flight , and he is now the holder of a government appointment in +the island of Mauritius . As to Miss Violet Hunter , my friend +Holmes , rather to my disappointment , manifested no further +interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one +of his problems , and she is now the head of a private school at +Walsall , where I believe that she has met with considerable success .