From da4054473cb34e7b1b62532bcc452e66f455df5c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Neil Smith Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2014 13:44:24 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] Tweaks --- cipherbreak.py | 13 +- sherlock-holmes.txt | 12648 ------------------------------------------ 2 files changed, 11 insertions(+), 12650 deletions(-) delete mode 100644 sherlock-holmes.txt diff --git a/cipherbreak.py b/cipherbreak.py index b28b763..7665d46 100644 --- a/cipherbreak.py +++ b/cipherbreak.py @@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ def keyword_break(message, wordlist=keywords, fitness=Pletters): return (best_keyword, best_wrap_alphabet), best_fit def keyword_break_mp(message, wordlist=keywords, fitness=Pletters, - chunksize=500): + number_of_solutions=1, chunksize=500): """Breaks a keyword substitution cipher using a dictionary and frequency analysis @@ -171,6 +171,12 @@ def keyword_break_mp(message, wordlist=keywords, fitness=Pletters, 'keyword decipherment', 'elephant', KeywordWrapAlphabet.from_last), \ wordlist=['cat', 'elephant', 'kangaroo']) # doctest: +ELLIPSIS (('elephant', ), -52.834575011...) + >>> keyword_break_mp(keyword_encipher('this is a test message for the ' \ + 'keyword decipherment', 'elephant', KeywordWrapAlphabet.from_last), \ + wordlist=['cat', 'elephant', 'kangaroo'], \ + number_of_solutions=2) # doctest: +ELLIPSIS, +NORMALIZE_WHITESPACE + [(('elephant', ), -52.834575011...), + (('elephant', ), -52.834575011...)] """ with Pool() as pool: helper_args = [(message, word, wrap, fitness) @@ -179,7 +185,10 @@ def keyword_break_mp(message, wordlist=keywords, fitness=Pletters, # Gotcha: the helper function here needs to be defined at the top level # (limitation of Pool.starmap) breaks = pool.starmap(keyword_break_worker, helper_args, chunksize) - return max(breaks, key=lambda k: k[1]) + if number_of_solutions == 1: + return max(breaks, key=lambda k: k[1]) + else: + return sorted(breaks, key=lambda k: k[1], reverse=True)[:number_of_solutions] def keyword_break_worker(message, keyword, wrap_alphabet, fitness): plaintext = keyword_decipher(message, keyword, wrap_alphabet) diff --git a/sherlock-holmes.txt b/sherlock-holmes.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 75de0e2..0000000 --- a/sherlock-holmes.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12648 +0,0 @@ -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 . -- 2.34.1