The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

by

Arthur Conan Doyle

CONTENTS
Preface The The Problem The The The The The The The The The Shoscombe "ld Place Mazarin of Creeping Sussex Three Illustrious Blanched Retired Three ion!s Veiled Thor Stone Bridge Man Vampire Garridebs Client Soldier Colourman Gables Mane odger

PREFACE
I fear that Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes ma& become li$e one of those popular tenors 'ho( ha)ing outli)ed their time( are still tempted to ma$e repeated fare'ell bo's to their indulgent audiences# This must cease and he must go the 'a& of all flesh( material or imaginar&# "ne li$es to thin$ that there is some fantastic limbo for the children of imagination( some strange( impossible place 'here the beaux of *ielding ma& still ma$e lo)e to the belles of Richardson( 'here Scott!s heroes still ma& strut( +ic$ens!s delightful Coc$ne&s still raise a laugh( and Thac$era&!s 'orldlings continue to carr& on their reprehensible careers# Perhaps in some humble corner of such a Valhalla( Sherloc$ and his ,atson ma& for a time find a place( 'hile some more astute sleuth 'ith some e)en less astute comrade ma& fill the stage 'hich the& ha)e )acated# %is career has been a long one--though it is possible to exaggerate it. decrepit gentlemen 'ho approach me and declare that his ad)entures formed the reading of their bo&hood do not meet the response from me 'hich the& seem to expect# "ne is not anxious to ha)e one!s personal dates handled so un$indl&# /s a matter of cold fact( %olmes made his debut in / Stud& in Scarlet and in The Sign of *our( t'o small boo$lets 'hich appeared bet'een 0112 and 0113# It 'as in 0130 that 4/ Scandal in Bohemia(4 the first of the long series of short stories( appeared in The Strand Magazine# The public seemed appreciati)e and desirous of

more( so that from that date( thirt&-nine &ears ago( the& ha)e been produced in a bro$en series 'hich no' contains no fe'er than fift&-six stories( republished in The /d)entures( The Memoirs( The Return( and %is ast Bo'# and there remain these t'el)e published during the last fe' &ears 'hich are here produced under the title of The Case Boo$ of Sherloc$ %olmes# %e began his ad)entures in the )er& heart of the later Victorian era( carried it through the alltoo-short reign of 5d'ard( and has managed to hold his o'n little niche e)en in these fe)erish da&s# Thus it 'ould be true to sa& that those 'ho first read of him( as &oung men( ha)e li)ed to see their o'n gro'n-up children follo'ing the same ad)entures in the same magazine# It is a stri$ing example of the patience and lo&alt& of the British public# I had full& determined at the conclusion of The Memoirs to bring %olmes to an end( as I felt that m& literar& energies should not be directed too much into one channel# That pale( clearcut face and loose-limbed figure 'ere ta$ing up an undue share of m& imagination# I did the deed( but fortunatel& no coroner had pronounced upon the remains( and so( after a long inter)al( it 'as not difficult for me to respond to the flattering demand and to explain m& rash act a'a&# I ha)e ne)er regretted it( for I ha)e not in actual practice found that these lighter s$etches ha)e pre)ented me from exploring and finding m& limitations in such )aried branches of literature as histor&( poetr&( historical no)els( ps&chic research( and the drama# %ad %olmes ne)er existed I could not ha)e done more( though he ma& perhaps ha)e stood a little in the 'a& of the recognition of m& more serious literar& 'or$# /nd so( reader( fare'ell to Sherloc$ %olmes6 I than$ &ou for &our past constanc&( and can but hope that some return has been made in the shape of that distraction from the 'orries of life and stimulating change of thought 'hich can onl& be found in the fair& $ingdom of romance# /RT%7R C"8/8 +"9 5#

ADVENTURE ! THE ADVENTURE OF THE "A#AR N STONE

It 'as pleasant to +r# ,atson to find himself once more in the untid& room of the first floor in Ba$er Street 'hich had been the starting-point of so man& remar$able ad)entures# %e loo$ed round him at the scientific charts upon the 'all( the acid-charred bench of chemicals( the )iolin-case leaning in the corner( the coal-scuttle( 'hich contained of old the pipes and tobacco# *inall&( his e&es came round to the fresh and smiling face of Bill&( the &oung but )er& 'ise and tactful page( 'ho had helped a little to fill up the gap of loneliness and isolation 'hich surrounded the saturnine figure of the great detecti)e# 4It all seems )er& unchanged( Bill&# 9ou don!t change( either# I hope the same can be said of him:4 Bill& glanced 'ith some solicitude at the closed door of the bedroom# 4I thin$ he!s in bed and asleep(4 he said# It 'as se)en in the e)ening of a lo)el& summer!s da&( but +r# ,atson 'as sufficientl& familiar 'ith the irregularit& of his old friend!s hours to feel no surprise at the idea# 4That means a case( I suppose:4 49es( sir( he is )er& hard at it ;ust no'# I!m frightened for his health# %e gets paler and thinner( and he eats nothing# !,hen 'ill &ou be pleased to dine( Mr# %olmes:! Mrs# %udson as$ed# !Se)en-thirt&( the da& after to-morro'(! said he# 9ou $no' his 'a& 'hen he is $een on a case#4

49es( Bill&( I $no'#4 4%e!s follo'ing someone# 9esterda& he 'as out as a 'or$man loo$ing for a ;ob# To-da& he 'as an old 'oman# *airl& too$ me in( he did( and I ought to $no' his 'a&s b& no'#4 Bill& pointed 'ith a grin to a )er& bagg& parasol 'hich leaned against the sofa# 4That!s part of the old 'oman!s outfit(4 he said# 4But 'hat is it all about( Bill&:4 Bill& san$ his )oice( as one 'ho discusses great secrets of State# 4I don!t mind telling &ou( sir( but it should go no farther# It!s this case of the Cro'n diamond#4 4,hat--the hundred-thousand-pound burglar&:4 49es( sir# The& must get it bac$( sir# ,h&( 'e had the Prime Minister and the %ome Secretar& both sitting on that )er& sofa# Mr# %olmes 'as )er& nice to them# %e soon put them at their ease and promised he 'ould do all he could# Then there is ord Cantlemere--4 4/h64 49es( sir( &ou $no' 'hat that means# %e!s a stiff!un( sir( if I ma& sa& so# I can get along 'ith the Prime Minister( and I!)e nothing against the %ome Secretar&( 'ho seemed a ci)il( obliging sort of man( but I can!t stand his ordship# 8either can Mr# %olmes( sir# 9ou see( he don!t belie)e in Mr# %olmes and he 'as against emplo&ing him# %e!d rather he failed#4 4/nd Mr# %olmes $no's it:4 4Mr# %olmes al'a&s $no's 'hate)er there is to $no'#4 4,ell( 'e!ll hope he 'on!t fail and that ord Cantlemere 'ill be confounded# But I sa&( Bill&( 'hat is that curtain for across the 'indo':4 4Mr# %olmes had it put up there three da&s ago# ,e!)e got something funn& behind it#4 Bill& ad)anced and dre' a'a& the draper& 'hich screened the alco)e of the bo' 'indo'# +r# ,atson could not restrain a cr& of amazement# There 'as a facsimile of his old friend( dressing-go'n and all( the face turned three-<uarters to'ards the 'indo' and do'n'ard( as though reading an in)isible boo$( 'hile the bod& 'as sun$ deep in an armchair# Bill& detached the head and held it in the air# 4,e put it at different angles( so that it ma& seem more lifeli$e# I 'ouldn!t dare touch it if the blind 'ere not do'n# But 'hen it!s up &ou can see this from across the 'a&#4 4,e used something of the sort once before#4 4Before m& time(4 said Bill&# %e dre' the 'indo' curtains apart and loo$ed out into the street# 4There are fol$ 'ho 'atch us from o)er &onder# I can see a fello' no' at the 'indo'# %a)e a loo$ for &ourself#4 ,atson had ta$en a step for'ard 'hen the bedroom door opened( and the long( thin form of %olmes emerged( his face pale and dra'n( but his step and bearing as acti)e as e)er# ,ith a single spring he 'as at the 'indo'( and had dra'n the blind once more# 4That 'ill do( Bill&(4 said he# 49ou 'ere in danger of &our life then( m& bo&( and I can!t do 'ithout &ou ;ust &et# ,ell( ,atson( it is good to see &ou in &our old <uarters once again# 9ou come at a critical moment#4 4So I gather#4

49ou can go( Bill&# That bo& is a problem( ,atson# %o' far am I ;ustified in allo'ing him to be in danger:4 4+anger of 'hat( %olmes:4 4"f sudden death# I!m expecting something this e)ening#4 45xpecting 'hat:4 4To be murdered( ,atson#4 48o( no( &ou are ;o$ing( %olmes64 45)en m& limited sense of humour could e)ol)e a better ;o$e than that# But 'e ma& be comfortable in the meantime( ma& 'e not: Is alcohol permitted: The gasogene and cigars are in the old place# et me see &ou once more in the customar& armchair# 9ou ha)e not( I hope( learned to despise m& pipe and m& lamentable tobacco: It has to ta$e the place of food these da&s#4 4But 'h& not eat:4 4Because the faculties become refined 'hen &ou star)e them# ,h&( surel&( as a doctor( m& dear ,atson( &ou must admit that 'hat &our digestion gains in the 'a& of blood suppl& is so much lost to the brain# I am a brain( ,atson# The rest of me is a mere appendix# Therefore( it is the brain I must consider#4 4But this danger( %olmes:4 4/h# &es( in case it should come off( it 'ould perhaps be as 'ell that &ou should burden &our memor& 'ith the name and address of the murderer# 9ou can gi)e it to Scotland 9ard( 'ith m& lo)e and a parting blessing# S&l)ius is the name--Count 8egretto S&l)ius# ,rite it do'n( man( 'rite it do'n6 0=> Moorside Gardens( 8# ,# Got it:4 ,atson!s honest face 'as t'itching 'ith anxiet&# %e $ne' onl& too 'ell the immense ris$s ta$en b& %olmes and 'as 'ell a'are that 'hat he said 'as more li$el& to be under-statement than exaggeration# ,atson 'as al'a&s the man of action( and he rose to the occasion# 4Count me in( %olmes# I ha)e nothing to do for a da& or t'o#4 49our morals don!t impro)e( ,atson# 9ou ha)e added fibbing to &our other )ices# 9ou bear e)er& sign of the bus& medical man( 'ith calls on him e)er& hour#4 48ot such important ones# But can!t &ou ha)e this fello' arrested:4 49es( ,atson( I could# That!s 'hat 'orries him so#4 4But 'h& don!t &ou:4 4Because I don!t $no' 'here the diamond is#4 4/h6 Bill& told me--the missing Cro'n ;e'el64 49es( the great &ello' Mazarin stone# I!)e cast m& net and I ha)e m& fish# But I ha)e not got the stone# ,hat is the use of ta$ing them: ,e can ma$e the 'orld a better place b& la&ing them b& the heels# But that is not 'hat I am out for# It!s the stone I 'ant#4 4/nd is this Count S&l)ius one of &our fish:4 49es( and he!s a shar$# %e bites# The other is Sam Merton the boxer# 8ot a bad fello'( Sam( but the Count has used him# Sam!s not a shar$# %e is a great big sill& bull-headed gudgeon# But he is flopping about in m& net all the same#4

4,here is this Count S&l)ius:4 4I!)e been at his )er& elbo' all the morning# 9ou!)e seen me as an old lad&( ,atson# I 'as ne)er more con)incing# %e actuall& pic$ed up m& parasol for me once# !B& &our lea)e( madame(! said he--half-ltalian( &ou $no'( and 'ith the Southern graces of manner 'hen in the mood( but a de)il incarnate in the other mood# ife is full of 'himsical happenings( ,atson#4 4It might ha)e been traged&#4 4,ell( perhaps it might# I follo'ed him to old Straubenzee!s 'or$shop in the Minories# Straubenzee made the air-gun--a )er& prett& bit of 'or$( as I understand( and I rather fanc& it is in the opposite 'indo' at the present moment# %a)e &ou seen the dumm&: "f course( Bill& sho'ed it to &ou# ,ell( it ma& get a bullet through its beautiful head at an& moment# /h( Bill&( 'hat is it:4 The bo& had reappeared in the room 'ith a card upon a tra&# %olmes glanced at it 'ith raised e&ebro's and an amused smile# 4The man himself# I had hardl& expected this# Grasp the nettle( ,atson6 / man of ner)e# Possibl& &ou ha)e heard of his reputation as a shooter of big game# It 'ould indeed be a triumphant ending to his excellent sporting record if he added me to his bag# This is a proof that he feels m& toe )er& close behind his heel#4 4Send for the police#4 4I probabl& shall# But not ;ust &et# ,ould &ou glance carefull& out of the 'indo'( ,atson( and see if an&one is hanging about in the street:4 ,atson loo$ed 'aril& round the edge of the curtain# 49es( there is one rough fello' near the door#4 4That 'ill be Sam Merton--the faithful but rather fatuous Sam# ,here is this gentleman( Bill&:4 4In the 'aiting-room( sir#4 4Sho' him up 'hen I ring#4 49es( sir#4 4If I am not in the room( sho' him in all the same#4 49es( sir#4 ,atson 'aited until the door 'as closed( and then he turned earnestl& to his companion# 4 oo$ here( %olmes( this is simpl& impossible# This is a desperate man( 'ho stic$s at nothing# %e ma& ha)e come to murder &ou#4 4I should not be surprised#4 4I insist upon sta&ing 'ith &ou#4 49ou 'ould be horribl& in the 'a&#4 4In his 'a&:4 48o( m& dear fello'--in m& 'a&#4 4,ell( I can!t possibl& lea)e &ou#4

49es( &ou can( ,atson# /nd &ou 'ill( for &ou ha)e ne)er failed to pla& the game# I am sure &ou 'ill pla& it to the end# This man has come for his o'n purpose( but he ma& sta& for mine#4 %olmes too$ out his noteboo$ and scribbled a fe' lines# 4Ta$e a cab to Scotland 9ard and gi)e this to 9oughal of the C# I# +# Come bac$ 'ith the police# The fello'!s arrest 'ill follo'#4 4I!ll do that 'ith ;o&# 4Before &ou return I ma& ha)e ;ust time enough to find out 'here the stone is#4 %e touched the bell# 4I thin$ 'e 'ill go out through the bedroom# This second exit is exceedingl& useful# I rather 'ant to see m& shar$ 'ithout his seeing me( and I ha)e( as &ou 'ill remember( m& o'n 'a& of doing it#4 It 'as( therefore( an empt& room into 'hich Bill&( a minute later( ushered Count S&l)ius# The famous game-shot( sportsman( and man-about-to'n 'as a big( s'arth& fello'( 'ith a formidable dar$ moustache shading a cruel( thin-lipped mouth( and surmounted b& a long( cur)ed nose li$e the bea$ of an eagle# %e 'as 'ell dressed( but his brilliant nec$tie( shining pin( and glittering rings 'ere flambo&ant in their effect# /s the door closed behind him he loo$ed round him 'ith fierce( startled e&es( li$e one 'ho suspects a trap at e)er& turn# Then he ga)e a )iolent start as he sa' the impassi)e head and the collar of the dressing-go'n 'hich pro;ected abo)e the armchair in the 'indo'# /t first his expression 'as one of pure amazement# Then the light of a horrible hope gleamed in his dar$( murderous e&es# %e too$ one more glance round to see that there 'ere no 'itnesses( and then( on tiptoe( his thic$ stic$ half raised( he approached the silent figure# %e 'as crouching for his final spring and blo' 'hen a cool( sardonic )oice greeted him from the open bedroom door? 4+on!t brea$ it( Count6 +on!t brea$ it64 The assassin staggered bac$( amazement in his con)ulsed face# *or an instant he half raised his loaded cane once more( as if he 'ould turn his )iolence from the effig& to the original. but there 'as something in that stead& gra& e&e and moc$ing smile 'hich caused his hand to sin$ to his side# 4It!s a prett& little thing(4 said %olmes( ad)ancing to'ards the image# 4Ta)ernier( the *rench modeller( made it# %e is as good at 'ax'or$s as &our friend Straubenzee is at air-guns#4 4/ir-guns( sir6 ,hat do &ou mean:4 4Put &our hat and stic$ on the side-table# Than$ &ou6 Pra& ta$e a seat# ,ould &ou care to put &our re)ol)er out also: "h( )er& good( if &ou prefer to sit upon it# 9our )isit is reall& most opportune( for I 'anted badl& to ha)e a fe' minutes! chat 'ith &ou#4 The Count sco'led( 'ith hea)&( threatening e&ebro's# 4I( too( 'ished to ha)e some 'ords 'ith &ou( %olmes# That is 'h& I am here# I 'on!t den& that I intended to assault &ou ;ust no'#4 %olmes s'ung his leg on the edge of the table# 4I rather gathered that &ou had some idea of the sort in &our head(4 said he# 4But 'h& these personal attentions:4 4Because &ou ha)e gone out of &our 'a& to anno& me# Because &ou ha)e put &our creatures upon m& trac$#4 4M& creatures6 I assure &ou no64 48onsense6 I ha)e had them follo'ed# T'o can pla& at that game( %olmes#4

4It is a small point( Count S&l)ius( but perhaps &ou 'ould $indl& gi)e me m& prefix 'hen &ou address me# 9ou can understand that( 'ith m& routine of 'or$( I should find m&self on familiar terms 'ith half the rogues! galler&( and &ou 'ill agree that exceptions are in)idious#4 4,ell( Mr# %olmes( then#4 45xcellent6 But I assure &ou &ou are mista$en about m& alleged agents#4 Count S&l)ius laughed contemptuousl&# 4"ther people can obser)e as 'ell as &ou# 9esterda& there 'as an old sporting man# To-da& it 'as an elderl& 'oman# The& held me in )ie' all da&#4 4Reall&( sir( &ou compliment me# "ld Baron +o'son said the night before he 'as hanged that in m& case 'hat the la' had gained the stage had lost# /nd no' &ou gi)e m& little impersonations &our $indl& praise:4 4It 'as &ou--&ou &ourself:4 %olmes shrugged his shoulders# 49ou can see in the corner the parasol 'hich &ou so politel& handed to me in the Minories before &ou began to suspect#4 4If I had $no'n( &ou might ne)er--4 4%a)e seen this humble home again# I 'as 'ell a'are of it# ,e all ha)e neglected opportunities to deplore# /s it happens( &ou did not $no'( so here 'e are64 The Count!s $notted bro's gathered more hea)il& o)er his menacing e&es# 4,hat &ou sa& onl& ma$es the matter 'orse# It 'as not &our agents but &our pla&-acting( bus&bod& self6 9ou admit that &ou ha)e dogged me# ,h&:4 4Come no'( Count# 9ou used to shoot lions in /lgeria#4 4,ell:4 4But 'h&:4 4,h&: The sport--the excitement--the danger64 4/nd( no doubt( to free the countr& from a pest:4 45xactl&64 4M& reasons in a nutshell64 The Count sprang to his feet( and his hand in)oluntaril& mo)ed bac$ to his hip-poc$et# 4Sit do'n( sir( sit do'n6 There 'as another( more practical( reason# I 'ant that &ello' diamond64 Count S&l)ius la& bac$ in his chair 'ith an e)il smile# 47pon m& 'ord64 said he# 49ou $ne' that I 'as after &ou for that# The real reason 'h& &ou are here to-night is to find out ho' much I $no' about the matter and ho' far m& remo)al is absolutel& essential# ,ell( I should sa& that( from &our point of )ie'( it is absolutel& essential( for I $no' all about it( sa)e onl& one thing( 'hich &ou are about to tell me#4 4"h( indeed6 /nd pra&( 'hat is this missing fact:4 4,here the Cro'n diamond no' is#4

The Count loo$ed sharpl& at his companion# 4"h( &ou 'ant to $no' that( do &ou: %o' the de)il should I be able to lell &ou 'here it is:4 49ou can( and &ou 'ill#4 4Indeed64 49ou can!t bluff me( Count S&l)ius#4 %olmes!s e&es( as he gazed at him( contracted and lightened until the& 'ere li$e t'o menacing points of steel# 49ou are absolute plate-glass# I see to the )er& bac$ of &our mind#4 4Then( of course( &ou see 'here the diamond is64 %olmes clapped his hands 'ith amusement( and then pointed a derisi)e finger# 4Then &ou do $no'# 9ou ha)e admitted it64 4I admit nothing#4 48o'( Count( if &ou 'ill be reasonable 'e can do business# If not( &ou 'ill get hurt#4 Count S&l)ius thre' up his e&es to the ceiling# 4/nd &ou tal$ about bluff64 said he# %olmes loo$ed at him thoughtfull& li$e a master chess-pla&er 'ho meditates his cro'ning mo)e# Then he thre' open the table dra'er and dre' out a s<uat noteboo$# 4+o &ou $no' 'hat I $eep in this boo$:4 48o( sir( I do not64 49ou64 4Me64 49es( sir( &ou6 9ou are all here--e)er& action of &or )ile and dangerous life#4 4+amn &ou( %olmes64 cried the Count 'ith blazing e&es# 4There are limits to m& patience64 4It!s all here( Count# The real facts as to the death of old Mrs# %arold( 'ho left &ou the Bl&mer estate( 'hich &ou so rapidl& gambled a'a&#4 49ou are dreaming64 4/nd the complete life histor& of Miss Minnie ,arrender#4 4Tut6 9ou 'ill ma$e nothing of that64 4Plent& more here( Count# %ere is the robber& in the train de-luxe to the Ri)iera on *ebruar& 0=( 013@# %ere is the forged chec$ in the same &ear on the Credit &onnais#4 48o( &ou!re 'rong there#4 4Then I am right on the others6 8o'( Count( &ou are a card-pla&er# ,hen the other fello' has all the trumps( it sa)es time to thro' do'n &our hand#4 4,hat has all this tal$ to do 'ith the ;e'el of 'hich &ou spo$e:4 4Gentl&( Count# Restrain that eager mind6 et me get to the points in m& o'n humdrum fashion# I ha)e all this against &ou. but( abo)e all( I ha)e a clear case against both &ou and &our fighting bull& in the case of the Cro'n diamond#4 4Indeed64

4I ha)e the cabman 'ho too$ &ou to ,hitehall and the cabman 'ho brought &ou a'a&# I ha)e the commissionaire 'ho sa' &ou near the case# I ha)e I$e& Sanders( 'ho refused to cut it up for &ou# I$e& has peached( and the game is up#4 The )eins stood out on the Count!s forehead# %is dar$( hair& hands 'ere clenched in a con)ulsion of restrained emotion# %e tried to spea$( but the 'ords 'ould not shape themsel)es# 4That!s the hand I pla& from(4 said %olmes# 4I put it all upon the table# But one card is missing# It!s the $ing of diamonds# I don!t $no' 'here the stone is#4 49ou ne)er shall $no'#4 48o: 8o'( be reasonable( Count# Consider the situation# 9ou are going to be loc$ed up for t'ent& &ears# So is Sam Merton# ,hat good are &ou going to get out of &our diamond: 8one in the 'orld# But if &ou hand it o)er--'ell( I!ll compound a felon&# ,e don!t 'ant &ou or Sam# ,e 'ant the stone# Gi)e that up( and so far as I am concerned &ou can go free so long as &ou beha)e &ourself in the future# If &ou ma$e another slip 'ell( it 'ill be the last# But this time m& commission is to get the stone( not &ou#4 4But if I refuse:4 4,h&( then--alas6--it must be &ou and not the stone#4 Bill& had appeared in ans'er to a ring# 4I thin$( Count( that it 'ould be as 'ell to ha)e &our friend Sam at this conference# /fter all( his interests should be represented# Bill&( &ou 'ill see a large and ugl& gentleman outside the front door# /s$ him to come up#4 4If he 'on!t come( sir:4 48o )iolence( Bill&# +on!t be rough 'ith him# If &ou tell him that Count S&l)ius 'ants him he 'ill certainl& come#4 4,hat are &ou going to do no':4 as$ed the Count as Bill& disappeared# 4M& friend ,atson 'as 'ith me ;ust no'# I told him that I had a shar$ and a gudgeon in m& net. no' I am dra'ing the net and up the& come together#4 The Count had risen from his chair( and his hand 'as behind his bac$# %olmes held something half protruding from the poc$et of his dressing-go'n# 49ou 'on!t die in &our bed( %olmes#4 4I ha)e often had the same idea# +oes it matter )er& much: /her all( Count( &our o'n exit is more li$el& to be perpendicular than horizontal# But these anticipations of the future are morbid# ,h& not gi)e oursel)es up to the unrestrained en;o&ment of the present:4 / sudden 'ild-beast light sprang up in the dar$( menacing e&es of the master criminal# %olmes!s figure seemed to gro' taller as he gre' tense and read&# 4It is no use &our fingering &our re)ol)er( m& friend(4 he said in a <uiet )oice# 49ou $no' perfectl& 'ell that &ou dare not use it( e)en if I ga)e &ou time to dra' it# 8ast&( nois& things( re)ol)ers( Count# Better stic$ to air-guns# /h6 I thin$ I hear the fair& footstep of &our estimable partner# Good da&( Mr# Merton# Rather dull in the street( is it not:4 The prize-fighter( a hea)il& built &oung man 'ith a stupid( obstinate( slab-sided face( stood a'$'ardl& at the door( loo$ing about him 'ith a puzzled expression# %olmes!s debonair

manner 'as a ne' experience( and though he )aguel& felt that it 'as hostile( he did not $no' ho' to counter it# %e turned to his more astute comrade for help# 4,hat!s the game no'( Count: ,hat!s this fello' 'ant: ,hat!s up:4 %is )oice 'as deep and raucous# The Count shrugged his shoulders( and it 'as %olmes 'ho ans'ered# 4If I ma& put it in a nutshell( Mr# Merton( I should sa& it 'as all up#4 The boxer still addressed his remar$s to his associate# 4Is this co)e tr&ing to be funn&( or 'hat: I!m not in the funn& mood m&self#4 48o( I expect not(4 said %olmes# 4I thin$ I can promise &ou that &ou 'ill feel e)en less humorous as the e)ening ad)ances# 8o'( loo$ here( Count S&l)ius# I!m a bus& man and I can!t 'aste time# I!m going into that bedroom# Pra& ma$e &oursel)es <uite at home in m& absence# 9ou can explain to &our friend ho' the matter lies 'ithout the restraint of m& presence# I shall tr& o)er the %offman !Barcarole! upon m& )iolin# In fi)e minutes I shall return for &our final ans'er# 9ou <uite grasp the alternati)e( do &ou not: Shall 'e ta$e &ou( or shall 'e ha)e the stone:4 %olmes 'ithdre'( pic$ing up his )iolin from the corner as he passed# / fe' moments later the long-dra'n( 'ailing notes of that most haunting of tunes came faintl& through the closed door of the bedroom# 4,hat is it( then:4 as$ed Merton anxiousl& as his companion turned to him# 4+oes he $no' about the stone:4 4%e $no's a damned sight too much about it# I!m not sure that he doesn!t $no' all about it#4 4Good ord64 The boxer!s sallo' face turned a shade 'hiter# 4I$e& Sanders has split on us#4 4%e has( has he: I!ll do him do'n a thic$ !un for that if I s'ing for it#4 4That 'on!t help us much# ,e!)e got to ma$e up our minds 'hat to do#4 4%alf a mo!(4 said the boxer( loo$ing suspiciousl& at the bedroom door# 4%e!s a lear& co)e that 'ants 'atching# I suppose he!s not listening:4 4%o' can he be listening 'ith that music going:4 4That!s right# Ma&be somebod&!s behind a curtain# Too man& curtains in this room#4 /s he loo$ed round he suddenl& sa' for the first time the effig& in the 'indo'( and stood staring and pointing( too amazed for 'ords# 4Tut6 it!s onl& a dumm&(4 said the Count# 4/ fa$e( is it: ,ell( stri$e me6 Madame Tussaud ain!t in it# It!s the li)ing spit of him( go'n and all# But them curtains Count64 4"h( confound the curtains6 ,e are 'asting our time( and there is none too much# %e can lag us o)er this stone#4 4The deuce he can64 4But he!ll let us slip if 'e onl& tell him 'here the s'ag is#4 4,hat6 Gi)e it up: Gi)e up a hundred thousand <uid:4

4It!s one or the other#4 Merton scratched his short-cropped pate# 4%e!s alone in there# et!s do him in# If his light 'ere out 'e should ha)e nothing to fear#4 The Count shoo$ his head# 4%e is armed and read&# If 'e shot him 'e could hardl& get a'a& in a place li$e this# Besides( it!s li$el& enough that the police $no' 'hate)er e)idence he has got# %allo6 ,hat 'as that:4 There 'as a )ague sound 'hich seemed to come from the 'indo'# Both men sprang round( but all 'as <uiet# Sa)e for the one strange figure seated in the chair( the room 'as certainl& empt&# 4Something in the street(4 said Merton# 48o' loo$ here( gu)!nor( &ou!)e got the brains# Surel& &ou can thin$ a 'a& out of it# If slugging is no use then it!s up to &ou#4 4I!)e fooled better men than he(4 the Count ans'ered# 4The stone is here in m& secret poc$et# I ta$e no chances lea)ing it about# It can be out of 5ngland to-night and cut into four pieces in /msterdam before Sunda&# %e $no's nothing of Van Seddar#4 4I thought Van Seddar 'as going next 'ee$#4 4%e 'as# But no' he must get off b& the next boat# "ne or other of us must slip round 'ith the stone to ime Street and tell him#4 4But the false bottom ain!t read&#4 4,ell( he must ta$e it as it is and chance it# There!s not a moment to lose#4 /gain( 'ith the sense of danger 'hich becomes an instinct 'ith the sportsman( he paused and loo$ed hard at the 'indo'# 9es( it 'as surel& from the street that the faint sound had come# 4/s to %olmes(4 he continued( 4'e can fool him easil& enough# 9ou see( the damned fool 'on!t arrest us if he can get the stone# ,ell( 'e!ll promise him the stone# ,e!ll put him on the 'rong trac$ about it( and before he finds that it is the 'rong trac$ it 'ill be in %olland and 'e out of the countr&#4 4That sounds good to me64 cried Sam Merton 'ith a grin# 49ou go on and tell the +utchman to get a mo)e on him# I!ll see this suc$er and fill him up 'ith a bogus confession# I!ll tell him that the stone is in i)erpool# Confound that 'hining music. it gets on m& ner)es6 B& the time he finds it isn!t in i)erpool it 'ill be in <uarters and 'e on the blue 'ater# Come bac$ here( out of a line 'ith that $e&hole# %ere is the stone#4 4I 'onder &ou dare carr& it#4 4,here could I ha)e it safer: If 'e could ta$e it out of ,hitehall someone else could surel& ta$e it out of m& lodgings#4 4 et!s ha)e a loo$ at it#4 Count S&l)ius cast a some'hat unflattering glance at his associate and disregarded the un'ashed hand 'hich 'as extended to'ards him# 4,hat--d!&e thin$ I!m going to snatch it off &ou: See here( mister( I!m getting a bit tired of &our 'a&s#4 4,ell( 'ell( no offence( Sam# ,e can!t afford to <uarrel# Come o)er to the 'indo' if &ou 'ant to see the beaut& properl&# 8o' hold it to the light6 %ere64

4Than$ &ou64 ,ith a single spring %olmes had leaped from the dumm&!s chair and had grasped the precious ;e'el# %e held it no' in one hand( 'hile his other pointed a re)ol)er at the Count!s head# The t'o )illains staggered bac$ in utter amazement# Before the& had reco)ered %olmes had pressed the electric bell# 48o )iolence( gentlemen--no )iolence( I beg of &ou6 Consider the furniture6 It must be )er& clear to &ou that &our position is an impossible one# The police are 'aiting belo'#4 The Count!s be'ilderment o)ermastered his rage and fear# 4But ho' the deuce--:4 he gasped# 49our surprise is )er& natural# 9ou are not a'are that a second door from m& bedroom leads behind that curtain# I fancied that &ou must ha)e heard me 'hen I displaced the figure( but luc$ 'as on m& side# It ga)e me a chance of listening to &our rac& con)ersation 'hich 'ould ha)e been painfull& constrained had &ou been a'are of m& presence#4 The Count ga)e a gesture of resignation# 4,e gi)e &ou best( %olmes# I belie)e &ou are the de)il himself#4 48ot far from him( at an& rate(4 %olmes ans'ered 'ith a polite smile# Sam Merton!s slo' intellect had onl& graduall& appreciated the situation# 8o'( as the sound of hea)& steps came from the stairs outside( he bro$e silence at last# 4/ fair cop64 said he# 4But( I sa&( 'hat about that bloomin! fiddle6 I hear it &et#4 4Tut( tut64 %olmes ans'ered# 49ou are perfectl& right# et it pla&6 These modern gramophones are a remar$able in)ention#4 There 'as an inrush of police( the handcuffs clic$ed and the criminals 'ere led to the 'aiting cab# ,atson lingered 'ith %olmes( congratulating him upon this fresh leaf added to his laurels# "nce more their con)ersation 'as interrupted b& the imperturbable Bill& 'ith his cardtra&# 4 ord Cantlemere sir#4 4Sho' him up( Bill&# This is the eminent peer 'ho represents the )er& highest interests(4 said %olmes# 4%e is an excellent and lo&al person( but rather of the old regime# Shall 'e ma$e him unbend: +are 'e )enture upon a slight libert&: %e $no's( 'e ma& con;ecture( nothing of 'hat has occurred#4 The door opened to admit a thin( austere figure 'ith a hatchet face and drooping midVictorian 'his$ers of a gloss& blac$ness 'hich hardl& corresponded 'ith the rounded shoulders and feeble gait# %olmes ad)anced affabl&( and shoo$ an unresponsi)e hand# 4%o' do &ou do( ord Cantlemere: It is chill& for the time of &ear( but rather 'arm indoors# Ma& I ta$e &our o)ercoat:4 48o( I than$ &ou. I 'ill not ta$e it off#4 %olmes laid his hand insistentl& upon the slee)e# 4Pra& allo' me6 M& friend +r# ,atson 'ould assure &ou that these changes of temperature are most insidious#4 %is ordship shoo$ himself free 'ith some impatience#

4I am <uite comfortable( sir# I ha)e no need to sta&# I ha)e simpl& loo$ed in to $no' ho' &our self-appointed tas$ 'as progressing#4 4It is difficult--)er& difficult#4 4I feared that &ou 'ould find it so#4 There 'as a distinct sneer in the old courtier!s 'ords and manner# 45)er& man finds his limitations( Mr# %olmes( but at least it cures us of the 'ea$ness of selfsatisfaction#4 49es( sir( I ha)e been much perplexed#4 48o doubt#4 45speciall& upon one point# Possibl& &ou could help me upon 49ou appl& for m& ad)ice rather late in the da&# I thought that &ou had &our o'n all-sufficient methods# Still( I am read& to help &ou#4 49ou see( ord Cantlemere( 'e can no doubt frame a case against the actual thie)es#4 4,hen &ou ha)e caught them#4 45xactl&# But the <uestion is--ho' shall 'e proceed against the recei)er:4 4Is this not rather premature:4 4It is as 'ell to ha)e our plans read&# 8o'( 'hat 'ould &ou regard as final e)idence against the recei)er:4 4The actual possession of the stone#4 49ou 'ould arrest him upon that:4 4Most undoubtedl&#4 %olmes seldom laughed( but he got as near it as his old friend ,atson could remember# 4In that case( m& dear sir( I shall be under the painful necessit& of ad)ising &our arrest#4 ord Cantlemere 'as )er& angr&# Some of the ancient fires flic$ered up into his sallo' chee$s# 49ou ta$e a great libert&( Mr# %olmes# In fift& &ears of official life I cannot recall such a case# I am a bus& man( sir engaged upon important affairs( and I ha)e no time or taste for foolish ;o$es# I ma& tell &ou fran$l&( sir( that I ha)e ne)er been a belie)er in &our po'ers( and that I ha)e al'a&s been of the opinion that the matter 'as far safer in the hands of the regular police force# 9our conduct confirms all m& conclusions# I ha)e the honour( sir( to 'ish &ou good-e)ening#4 %olmes had s'iftl& changed his position and 'as bet'een the peer and the door# 4"ne moment( sir(4 said he# 4To actuall& go off 'ith the Mazarin stone 'ould be a more serious offence than to be found in temporar& possession of it#4 4Sir( this is intolerable6 et me pass#4 4Put &our hand in the right-hand poc$et of &our o)ercoat#4 4,hat do &ou mean( sir:4

4Come--come( do 'hat I as$#4 /n instant later the amazed peer 'as standing( blin$ing and stammering( 'ith the great &ello' stone on his sha$ing palm# 4,hat6 ,hat6 %o' is this( Mr# %olmes:4 4Too bad( ord Cantlemere( too bad64 cried %olmes# 4M& old friend here 'ill tell &ou that I ha)e an impish habit of practical ;o$ing# /lso that I can ne)er resist a dramatic situation# I too$ the libert&--the )er& great libert&( I admit--of putting the stone into &our poc$et at the beginning of our inter)ie'#4 The old peer stared from the stone to the smiling face before him# 4Sir( I am be'ildered# But--&es--it is indeed the Mazarin stone# ,e are greatl& &our debtors( Mr# %olmes# 9our sense of humour ma&( as &ou admit( be some'hat per)erted( and its exhibition remar$abl& untimel&( but at least I 'ithdra' an& reflection I ha)e made upon &our amazing professional po'ers# But ho'--4 4The case is but half finished. the details can 'ait# 8o doubt( ord Cantlemere( &our pleasure in telling of this successful result in the exalted circle to 'hich &ou return 'ill be some small atonement for m& practical ;o$e# Bill&( &ou 'ill sho' his ordship out( and tell Mrs# %udson that I should be glad if she 'ould send up dinner for t'o as soon as possible#4

ADVENTURE ! THE PRO$%E" OF THOR $R D&E

Some'here in the )aults of the ban$ of Cox and Co#( at Charing Cross( there is a tra)el-'orn and battered tin dispatchbox 'ith m& name( Aohn %# ,atson( M# +#( ate Indian /rm&( painted upon the lid# It is crammed 'ith papers( nearl& all of 'hich are records of cases to illustrate the curious problems 'hich Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes had at )arious times to examine# Some( and not the least interesting( 'ere complete failures( and as such 'ill hardl& bear narrating( since no final explanation is forthcoming# / problem 'ithout a solution ma& interest the student( but can hardl& fail to anno& the casual reader# /mong these unfinished tales is that of Mr# Aames Phillimore( 'ho( stepping bac$ into his o'n house to get his umbrella( 'as ne)er more seen in this 'orld# 8o less remar$able is that of the cutter /licia( 'hich sailed one spring morning into a small patch of mist from 'here she ne)er again emerged( nor 'as an&thing further e)er heard of herself and her cre'# / third case 'orth& of note is that of Isadora Persano( the 'ell$no'n ;ournalist and duellist( 'ho 'as found star$ staring mad 'ith a match box in front of him 'hich contained a remar$able 'orm said to be un$no'n to science# /part from these unfathomed cases( there are some 'hich in)ol)e the secrets of pri)ate families to an extent 'hich 'ould mean consternation in man& exalted <uarters if it 'ere thought possible that the& might find their 'a& into print# I need not sa& that such a breach of confidence is unthin$able( and that these records 'ill be separated and destro&ed no' that m& friend has time to turn his energies to the matter# There remain a considerable residue of cases of greater or less interest 'hich I might ha)e edited before had I not feared to gi)e the public a surfeit 'hich might react upon the reputation of the man 'hom abo)e all others I re)ere# In some I 'as m&self concerned and can spea$ as an e&e-'itness( 'hile in others I 'as either not present or pla&ed so small a part that the& could onl& be told as b& a third person# The follo'ing narrati)e is dra'n from m& o'n experience#

It 'as a 'ild morning in "ctober( and I obser)ed as I 'as dressing ho' the last remaining lea)es 'ere being 'hirled from the solitar& plane tree 'hich graces the &ard behind our house# I descended to brea$fast prepared to find m& companion in depressed spirits( for( li$e all great artists( he 'as easil& impressed b& his surroundings# "n the contrar&( I found that he had nearl& finished his meal( and that his mood 'as particularl& bright and ;o&ous( 'ith that some'hat sinister cheerfulness 'hich 'as characteristic of his lighter moments# 49ou ha)e a case( %olmes:4 I remar$ed# 4The facult& of deduction is certainl& contagious( ,atson(4 he ans'ered# 4It has enabled &ou to probe m& secret# 9es( I ha)e a case# /fter a month of tri)ialities and stagnation the 'heels mo)e once more#4 4Might I share it:4 4There is little to share( but 'e ma& discuss it 'hen &ou ha)e consumed the t'o hard-boiled eggs 'ith 'hich our ne' coo$ has fa)oured us# Their condition ma& not be unconnected 'ith the cop& of the *amil& %erald 'hich I obser)ed &esterda& upon the hall-table# 5)en so tri)ial a matter as coo$ing an egg demands an attention 'hich is conscious of the passage of time and incompatible 'ith the lo)e romance in that excellent periodical#4 / <uarter of an hour later the table had been cleared and 'e 'ere face to face# %e had dra'n a letter from his poc$et# 49ou ha)e heard of 8eil Gibson( the Gold Bing:4 he said# 49ou mean the /merican Senator:4 4,ell( he 'as once Senator for some ,estern state( but is better $no'n as the greatest goldmining magnate in the 'orld#4 49es( I $no' of him# %e has surel& li)ed in 5ngland for some time# %is name is )er& familiar#4 49es( he bought a considerable estate in %ampshire some fi)e &ears ago# Possibl& &ou ha)e alread& heard of the tragic end of his 'ife:4 4"f course# I remember it no'# That is 'h& the name is familiar# But I reall& $no' nothing of the details#4 %olmes 'a)ed his hand to'ards some papers on a chair# 4I had no idea that the case 'as coming m& 'a& or I should ha)e had m& extracts read&(4 said he# 4The fact is that the problem( though exceedingl& sensational( appeared to present no difficult&# The interesting personalit& of the accused does not obscure the clearness of the e)idence# That 'as the )ie' ta$en b& the coroner!s ;ur& and also in the police-court proceedings# It is no' referred to the /ssizes at ,inchester# I fear it is a than$less business# I can disco)er facts( ,atson( but I cannot change them# 7nless some entirel& ne' and unexpected ones come to light I do not see 'hat m& client can hope for#4 49our client:4 4/h( I forgot I had not told &ou# I am getting into &our in)ol)ed habit( ,atson( of telling a stor& bac$'ard# 9ou had best read this first#4 The letter 'hich he handed to me( 'ritten in a bold( masterful hand( ran as follo's? C /RI+G5!S "ctober =rd# %"T5 (

+5/R MR# S%5R "CB %" M5S? I can!t see the best 'oman God e)er made go to her death 'ithout doing all that is possible to sa)e her# I can!t explain things--I can!t e)en tr& to explain them( but I $no' be&ond all doubt that Miss +unbar is innocent# 9ou $no' the facts--'ho doesn!t: It has been the gossip of the countr&# /nd ne)er a )oice raised for her6 It!s the damned in;ustice of it all that ma$es me craz&# That 'oman has a heart that 'ouldn!t let her $ill a fl&# ,ell( I!ll come at ele)en tomorro' and see if &ou can get some ra& of light in the dar$# Ma&be I ha)e a clue and don!t $no' it# /n&ho'( all I $no' and all I ha)e and all I am are for &our use if onl& &ou can sa)e her# If e)er in &our life &ou sho'ed &our po'ers( put them no' into this case# 9ours faithfull&( A# 85I GIBS"8# 4There &ou ha)e it(4 said Sherloc$ %olmes( $noc$ing out the ashes of his after-brea$fast pipe and slo'l& refilling it# 4That is the gentleman I a'ait# /s to the stor&( &ou ha)e hardl& time to master all these papers( so I must gi)e it to &ou in a nutshell if &ou are to ta$e an intelligent interest in the proceedings# This man is the greatest financial po'er in the 'orld( and a man( as I understand( of most )iolent and formidable character# %e married a 'ife( the )ictim of this traged&( of 'hom I $no' nothing sa)e that she 'as past her prime( 'hich 'as the more unfortunate as a )er& attracti)e go)erness superintended the education of t'o &oung children# These are the three people concerned( and the scene is a grand old manor house( the centre of a historical 5nglish state# Then as to the traged&# The 'ife 'as found in the grounds nearl& half a mile from the house( late at night( clad in her dinner dress( 'ith a sha'l o)er her shoulders and a re)ol)er bullet through her brain# 8o 'eapon 'as found near her and there 'as no local clue as to the murder# 8o 'eapon near her( ,atson--mar$ that6 The crime seems to ha)e been committed late in the e)ening( and the bod& 'as found b& a game$eeper about ele)en o!cloc$( 'hen it 'as examined b& the police and b& a doctor before being carried up to the house# Is this too condensed( or can &ou follo' it clearl&:4 4It is all )er& clear# But 'h& suspect the go)erness:4 4,ell( in the first place there is some )er& direct e)idence# / re)ol)er 'ith one discharged chamber and a calibre 'hich corresponded 'ith the bullet 'as found on the floor of her 'ardrobe#4 %is e&es fixed and he repeated in bro$en 'ords( 4"n--the--floor--of--her-'ardrobe#4 Then he san$ into silence( and I sa' that some train of thought had been set mo)ing 'hich I should be foolish to interrupt# Suddenl& 'ith a start he emerged into bris$ life once more# 49es( ,atson( it 'as found# Prett& damning( eh: So the t'o ;uries thought# Then the dead 'oman had a note upon her ma$ing an appointment at that )er& place and signed b& the go)erness# %o'!s that: *inall& there is the moti)e# Senator Gibson is an attracti)e person# If his 'ife dies( 'ho more li$el& to succeed her than the &oung lad& 'ho had alread& b& all accounts recei)ed pressing attentions from her emplo&er: o)e( fortune( po'er( all depending upon one middleaged life# 7gl&( ,atson-- )er& ugl&64 49es( indeed( %olmes#4 48or could she pro)e an alibi# "n the contrar&( she had to admit that she 'as do'n near Thor Bridge--that 'as the scene of the traged&-- about that hour# She couldn!t den& it( for some passing )illager had seen her there#4 4That reall& seems final#4

4/nd &et( ,atson--and &et6 This bridge--a single broad span of stone 'ith balustraded sides-carries the dri)e o)er the narro'est part of a long( deep( reed-girt sheet of 'ater# Thor Mere it is called# In the mouth of the bridge la& the dead 'oman# Such are the main facts# But here( if I mista$e not( is our client( considerabl& before his time#4 Bill& had opened the door( but the name 'hich he announced 'as an unexpected one# Mr# Marlo' Bates 'as a stranger to both of us# %e 'as a thin( ner)ous 'isp of a man 'ith frightened e&es and a t'itching( hesitating manner--a man 'hom m& o'n professional e&e 'ould ;udge to be on the brin$ of an absolute ner)ous brea$do'n# 49ou seem agitated( Mr# Bates(4 said %olmes# 4Pra& sit do'n# I fear I can onl& gi)e &ou a short time( for I ha)e an appointment at ele)en#4 4I $no' &ou ha)e(4 our )isitor gasped( shooting out short sentences li$e a man 'ho is out of breath# 4Mr# Gibson is coming# Mr# Gibson is m& emplo&er# I am manager of his estate# Mr# %olmes( he is a )illain-- an infernal )illain#4 4Strong language( Mr# Bates#4 4I ha)e to be emphatic( Mr# %olmes( for the time is so limited# I 'ould not ha)e him find me here for the 'orld# %e is almost due no'# But I 'as so situated that I could not come earlier# %is secretar&( Mr# *erguson( onl& told me this morning of his appointment 'ith &ou#4 4/nd &ou are his manager:4 4I ha)e gi)en him notice# In a couple of 'ee$s I shall ha)e sha$en off his accursed sla)er&# / hard man( Mr# %olmes( hard to all about him# Those public charities are a screen to co)er his pri)ate ini<uities# But his 'ife 'as his chief )ictim# %e 'as brutal to her--&es( sir( brutal6 %o' she came b& her death I do not $no'( but I am sure that he had made her life a miser& to her# She 'as a creature of the tropics( a Brazilian b& birth( as no doubt &ou $no'#4 48o( it had escaped me#4 4Tropical b& birth and tropical b& nature# / child of the sun and of passion# She had lo)ed him as such 'omen can lo)e( but 'hen her o'n ph&sical charms had faded--I am told that the& once 'ere great-- there 'as nothing to hold him# ,e all li$ed her and felt for her and hated him for the 'a& that he treated her# But he is plausible and cunning# That is all I ha)e to sa& to &ou# +on!t ta$e him at his face )alue# There is more behind# 8o' I!ll go# 8o( no( don!t detain me6 %e is almost due#4 ,ith a frightened loo$ at the cloc$ our strange )isitor literall& ran to the door and disappeared# 4,ell6 ,ell64 said %olmes after an inter)al of silence# 4Mr# Gibson seems to ha)e a nice lo&al household# But the 'arning is a useful one( and no' 'e can onl& 'ait till the man himself appears#4 Sharp at the hour 'e heard a hea)& step upon the stairs( and the famous millionaire 'as sho'n into the room# /s I loo$ed upon him I understood not onl& the fears and disli$e of his manager but also the execrations 'hich so man& business ri)als ha)e heaped upon his head# If I 'ere a sculptor and desired to idealize the successful man of affairs( iron of ner)e and leather& of conscience( I should choose Mr# 8eil Gibson as m& model# %is tall( gaunt( cragg& figure had a suggestion of hunger and rapacit&# /n /braham incoln $e&ed to base uses instead of high ones 'ould gi)e some idea of the man# %is face might ha)e been chiselled in granite( hard-set( cragg&( remorseless( 'ith deep lines upon it( the scars of man& a crisis# Cold gra& e&es( loo$ing shre'dl& out from under bristling bro's( sur)e&ed us each in turn# %e

bo'ed in perfunctor& fashion as %olmes mentioned m& name( and then 'ith a masterful air of possession he dre' a chair up to m& companion and seated himself 'ith his bon& $nees almost touching him# 4 et me sa& right here( Mr# %olmes(4 he began( 4that mone& is nothing to me in this case# 9ou can burn it if it!s an& use in lighting &ou to the truth# This 'oman is innocent and this 'oman has to be cleared( and it!s up to &ou to do it# 8ame &our figure64 4M& professional charges are upon a fixed scale(4 said %olmes coldl&# 4I do not )ar& them( sa)e 'hen I remit them altogether#4 4,ell( if dollars ma$e no difference to &ou( thin$ of the reputation# If &ou pull this off e)er& paper in 5ngland and /merica 'ill be booming &ou# 9ou!ll be the tal$ of t'o continents#4 4Than$ &ou( Mr# Gibson( I do not thin$ that I am in need of booming# It ma& surprise &ou to $no' that I prefer to 'or$ anon&mousl&( and that it is the problem itself 'hich attracts me# But 'e are 'asting time# et us get do'n to the facts#4 4I thin$ that &ou 'ill find all the main ones in the press reports# I don!t $no' that I can add an&thing 'hich 'ill help &ou# But if there is an&thing &ou 'ould 'ish more light upon--'ell( I am here to gi)e it#4 4,ell( there is ;ust one point#4 4,hat is it:4 4,hat 'ere the exact relations bet'een &ou and Miss +unbar:4 The Gold Bing ga)e a )iolent start and half rose from his chair# Then his massi)e calm came bac$ to him# 4I suppose &ou are 'ithin &our rights--and ma&be doing &our dut&-- in as$ing such a <uestion( Mr# %olmes#4 4,e 'ill agree to suppose so(4 said %olmes# 4Then I can assure &ou that our relations 'ere entirel& and al'a&s those of an emplo&er to'ards a &oung lad& 'hom he ne)er con)ersed 'ith( or e)er sa'( sa)e 'hen she 'as in the compan& of his children#4 %olmes rose from his chair# 4I am a rather bus& man( Mr# Gibson(4 said he( 4and I ha)e no time or taste for aimless con)ersations# I 'ish &ou goodmorning#4 "ur )isitor had risen also( and his great loose figure to'ered abo)e %olmes# There 'as an angr& gleam from under those bristling bro's and a tinge of colour in the sallo' chee$s# 4,hat the de)il do &ou mean b& this( Mr# %olmes: +o &ou dismiss m& case:4 4,ell( Mr# Gibson( at least I dismiss &ou# I should ha)e thought m& 'ords 'ere plain#4 4Plain enough( but 'hat!s at the bac$ of it: Raising the price on me( or afraid to tac$le it( or 'hat: I!)e a right to a plain ans'er#4 4,ell( perhaps &ou ha)e(4 said %olmes# 4I!ll gi)e &ou one# This case is <uite sufficientl& complicated to start 'ith 'ithout the further difficult& of false information#4 4Meaning that I lie#4

4,ell( I 'as tr&ing to express it as delicatel& as I could( but if &ou insist upon the 'ord I 'ill not contradict &ou#4 I sprang to m& feet( for the expression upon the millionaire!s face 'as fiendish in its intensit&( and he had raised his great $notted fist# %olmes smiled languidl& and reached his hand out for his pipe# 4+on!t be nois&( Mr# Gibson# I find that after brea$fast e)en the smallest argument is unsettling# I suggest that a stroll in the morning air and a little <uiet thought 'ill be greatl& to &our ad)antage#4 ,ith an effort the Gold Bing mastered his fur&# I could not but admire him( for b& a supreme self-command he had turned in a minute from a hot flame of anger to a frigid and contemptuous indifference# 4,ell( it!s &our choice# I guess &ou $no' ho' to run &our o'n business# I can!t ma$e &ou touch the case against &our 'ill# 9ou!)e done &ourself no good this morning( Mr# %olmes( for I ha)e bro$en stronger men than &ou# 8o man e)er crossed me and 'as the better for it#4 4So man& ha)e said so( and &et here I am(4 said %olmes( smiling# 4,ell( good-morning( Mr# Gibson# 9ou ha)e a good deal &et to learn#4 "ur )isitor made a nois& exit( but %olmes smo$ed in imperturbable silence 'ith dream& e&es fixed upon the ceiling# 4/n& )ie's( ,atson:4 he as$ed at last# 4,ell( %olmes( I must confess that 'hen I consider that this is a man 'ho 'ould certainl& brush an& obstacle from his path( and 'hen I remember that his 'ife ma& ha)e been an obstacle and an ob;ect of disli$e( as that man Bates plainl& told us( it seems to me--4 45xactl&# /nd to me also#4 4But 'hat 'ere his relations 'ith the go)erness( and ho' did &ou disco)er them:4 4Bluff( ,atson( bluff6 ,hen I considered the passionate( uncon)entional( unbusinessli$e tone of his letter and contrasted it 'ith his self-contained manner and appearance( it 'as prett& clear that there 'as some deep emotion 'hich centred upon the accused 'oman rather than upon the )ictim# ,e!)e got to understand the exact relations of those three people if 'e are to reach the truth# 9ou sa' the frontal attac$ 'hich I made upon him( and ho' imperturbabl& he recei)ed it# Then I bluffed him b& gi)ing him the impression that I 'as absolutel& certain( 'hen in realit& I 'as onl& extremel& suspicious#4 4Perhaps he 'ill come bac$:4 4%e is sure to come bac$# %e must come bac$# %e can!t lea)e it 'here it is# %a6 isn!t that a ring: 9es( there is his footstep# ,ell( Mr# Gibson( I 'as ;ust sa&ing to +r# ,atson that &ou 'ere some'hat o)erdue#4 The Gold Bing had reentered the room in a more chastened mood than he had left it# %is 'ounded pride still sho'ed in his resentful e&es( but his common sense had sho'n him that he must &ield if he 'ould attain his end# 4I!)e been thin$ing it o)er( Mr# %olmes( and I feel that I ha)e been hast& in ta$ing &our remar$s amiss# 9ou are ;ustified in getting do'n to the facts( 'hate)er the& ma& be( and I thin$ the more of &ou for it# I can assure &ou( ho'e)er( that the relations bet'een Miss +unbar and me don!t reall& touch this case#4

4That is for me to decide( is it not:4 49es( I guess that is so# 9ou!re li$e a surgeon 'ho 'ants e)er& s&mptom before he can gi)e his diagnosis#4 45xactl&# That expresses it# /nd it is onl& a patient 'ho has an ob;ect in decei)ing his surgeon 'ho 'ould conceal the facts of his case#4 4That ma& be so( but &ou 'ill admit( Mr# %olmes( that most men 'ould sh& off a bit 'hen the& are as$ed point-blan$ 'hat their relations 'ith a 'oman ma& be--if there is reall& some serious feeling in the case# I guess most men ha)e a little pri)ate reser)e of their o'n in some corner of their souls 'here the& don!t 'elcome intruders# /nd &ou burst suddenl& into it# But the ob;ect excuses &ou( since it 'as to tr& and sa)e her# ,ell( the sta$es are do'n and the reser)e open( and &ou can explore 'here &ou 'ill# ,hat is it &ou 'ant:4 4The truth#4 The Gold Bing paused for a moment as one 'ho marshals his thoughts# %is grim( deep-lined face had become e)en sadder and more gra)e# 4I can gi)e it to &ou in a )er& fe' 'ords( Mr# %olmes(4 said he at last# 4There are some things that are painful as 'ell as difficult to sa&( so I 'on!t go deeper than is needful# I met m& 'ife 'hen I 'as gold-hunting in Brazil# Maria Pinto 'as the daughter of a go)ernment official at Manaos( and she 'as )er& beautiful# I 'as &oung and ardent in those da&s( but e)en no'( as I loo$ bac$ 'ith colder blood and a more critical e&e( I can see that she 'as rare and 'onderful in her beaut&# It 'as a deep rich nature( too( passionate( 'hole-hearted( tropical( illbalanced( )er& different from the /merican 'omen 'hom I had $no'n# ,ell( to ma$e a long stor& short( I lo)ed her and I married her# It 'as onl& 'hen the romance had passed--and it lingered for &ears--that I realized that 'e had nothing--absolutel& nothing-- in common# M& lo)e faded# If hers had faded also it might ha)e been easier# But &ou $no' the 'onderful 'a& of 'omen6 +o 'hat I might( nothing could turn her from me# If I ha)e been harsh to her( e)en brutal as some ha)e said( it has been because I $ne' that if I could $ill her lo)e( or if it turned to hate( it 'ould be easier for both of us# But nothing changed her# She adored me in those 5nglish 'oods as she had adored me t'ent& &ears ago on the ban$s of the /mazon# +o 'hat I might( she 'as as de)oted as e)er# 4Then came Miss Grace +unbar# She ans'ered our ad)ertisement and became go)erness to our t'o children# Perhaps &ou ha)e seen her portrait in the papers# The 'hole 'orld has proclaimed that she also is a )er& beautiful 'oman# 8o'( I ma$e no pretence to be more moral than m& neighbours( and I 'ill admit to &ou that I could not li)e under the same roof 'ith such a 'oman and in dail& contact 'ith her 'ithout feeling a passionate regard for her# +o &ou blame me( Mr# %olmes:4 4I do not blame &ou for feeling it# I should blame &ou if &ou expressed it( since this &oung lad& 'as in a sense under &our protection#4 4,ell( ma&be so(4 said the millionaire( though for a moment the reproof had brought the old angr& gleam into his e&es# 4I!m not pretending to be an& better than I am# I guess all m& life I!)e been a man that reached out his hand for 'hat he 'anted( and I ne)er 'anted an&thing more than the lo)e and possession of that 'oman# I told her so#4 4"h( &ou did( did &ou:4 %olmes could loo$ )er& formidable 'hen he 'as mo)ed#

4I said to her that if I could marr& her I 'ould( but that it 'as out of m& po'er# I said that mone& 'as no ob;ect and that all I could do to ma$e her happ& and comfortable 'ould be done#4 4Ver& generous( I am sure(4 said %olmes 'ith a sneer# 4See here( Mr# %olmes# I came to &ou on a <uestion of e)idence( not on a <uestion of morals# I!m not as$ing for &our criticism#4 4It is onl& for the &oung lad&!s sa$e that I touch &our case at all(4 said %olmes sternl&# 4I don!t $no' that an&thing she is accused of is reall& 'orse than 'hat &ou ha)e &ourself admitted( that &ou ha)e tried to ruin a defenceless girl 'ho 'as under &our roof# Some of &ou rich men ha)e to be taught that all the 'orld cannot be bribed into condoning &our offences#4 To m& surprise the Gold Bing too$ the reproof 'ith e<uanimit&# 4That!s ho' I feel m&self about it no'# I than$ God that m& plans did not 'or$ out as I intended# She 'ould ha)e none of it( and she 'anted to lea)e the house instantl&#4 4,h& did she not:4 4,ell( in the first place( others 'ere dependent upon her( and it 'as no light matter for her to let them all do'n b& sacrificing her li)ing# ,hen I had s'orn--as I did--that she should ne)er be molested again( she consented to remain# But there 'as another reason# She $ne' the influence she had o)er me( and that it 'as stronger than an& other influence in the 'orld# She 'anted to use it for good#4 4%o':4 4,ell( she $ne' something of m& affairs# The& are large( Mr# %olmes-- large be&ond the belief of an ordinar& man# I can ma$e or brea$--and it is usuall& brea$# It 'asn!t indi)iduals onl&# It 'as communities( cities( e)en nations# Business is a hard game( and the 'ea$ go to the 'all# I pla&ed the game for all it 'as 'orth# I ne)er s<uealed m&self( and I ne)er cared if the other fello' s<uealed# But she sa' it different# I guess she 'as right# She belie)ed and said that a fortune for one man that 'as more than he needed should not be built on ten thousand ruined men 'ho 'ere left 'ithout the means of life# That 'as ho' she sa' it( and I guess she could see past the dollars to something that 'as more lasting# She found that I listened to 'hat she said( and she belie)ed she 'as ser)ing the 'orld b& influencing m& actions# So she sta&ed-and then this came along#4 4Can &ou thro' an& light upon that:4 The Gold Bing paused for a minute or more( his head sun$ in his hands( lost in deep thought# 4It!s )er& blac$ against her# I can!t den& that# /nd 'omen lead an in'ard life and ma& do things be&ond the ;udgment of a man# /t first I 'as so rattled and ta$en abac$ that I 'as read& to thin$ she had been led a'a& in some extraordinar& fashion that 'as clean against her usual nature# "ne explanation came into m& head# I gi)e it to &ou( Mr# %olmes( for 'hat it is 'orth# There is no doubt that m& 'ife 'as bitterl& ;ealous# There is a soul-;ealous& that can be as frantic as an& bod&-;ealous&( and though m& 'ife had no cause--and I thin$ she understood this--for the latter( she 'as a'are that this 5nglish girl exerted an influence upon m& mind and m& acts that she herself ne)er had# It 'as an influence for good( but that did not mend the matter# She 'as craz& 'ith hatred and the heat of the /mazon 'as al'a&s in her blood# She might ha)e planned to murder Miss +unbar--or 'e 'ill sa& to threaten her 'ith a

gun and so frighten her into lea)ing us# Then there might ha)e been a scuffle and the gun gone off and shot the 'oman 'ho held it#4 4That possibilit& had alread& occurred to me(4 said %olmes# 4Indeed( it is the onl& ob)ious alternati)e to deliberate murder#4 4But she utterl& denies it#4 4,ell( that is not final--is it: "ne can understand that a 'oman placed in so a'ful a position might hurr& home still in her be'ilderment holding the re)ol)er# She might e)en thro' it do'n among her clothes( hardl& $no'ing 'hat she 'as doing( and 'hen it 'as found she might tr& to lie her 'a& out b& a total denial( since all explanation 'as impossible# ,hat is against such a supposition:4 4Miss +unbar herself#4 4,ell( perhaps#4 %olmes loo$ed at his 'atch# 4I ha)e no doubt 'e can get the necessar& permits this morning and reach ,inchester b& the e)ening train# ,hen I ha)e seen this &oung lad& it is )er& possible that I ma& be of more use to &ou in the matter( though I cannot promise that m& conclusions 'ill necessaril& be such as &ou desire#4 There 'as some dela& in the official pass( and instead of reaching ,inchester that da& 'e 'ent do'n to Thor Place( the %ampshire estate of Mr# 8eil Gibson# %e did not accompan& us himself( but 'e had the address of Sergeant Co)entr&( of the local police( 'ho had first examined into the affair# %e 'as a tall( thin( cada)erous man( 'ith a secreti)e and m&sterious manner 'hich con)e&ed the idea that he $ne' or suspected a )er& great deal more than he dared sa&# %e had a tric$( too( of suddenl& sin$ing his )oice to a 'hisper as if he had come upon something of )ital importance( though the information 'as usuall& commonplace enough# Behind these tric$s of manner he soon sho'ed himself to be a decent( honest fello' 'ho 'as not too proud to admit that he 'as out of his depth and 'ould 'elcome an& help# 4/n&ho'( I!d rather ha)e &ou than Scotland 9ard( Mr# %olmes(4 said he# 4If the 9ard gets called into a case( then the local loses all credit for success and ma& be blamed for failure# 8o'( &ou pla& straight( so I!)e heard#4 4I need not appear in the matter at all(4 said %olmes to the e)ident relief of our melanchol& ac<uaintance# 4If I can clear it up I don!t as$ to ha)e m& name mentioned#4 4,ell( it!s )er& handsome of &ou( I am sure# /nd &our friend( +r# ,atson( can be trusted( I $no'# 8o'( Mr# %olmes( as 'e 'al$ do'n to the place there is one <uestion I should li$e to as$ &ou# I!d breathe it to no soul but &ou#4 %e loo$ed round as though he hardl& dare utter the 'ords# 4+on!t &ou thin$ there might be a case against Mr# 8eil Gibson himself:4 4I ha)e been considering that#4 49ou!)e not seen Miss +unbar# She is a 'onderful fine 'oman in e)er& 'a&# %e ma& 'ell ha)e 'ished his 'ife out of the road# /nd these /mericans are readier 'ith pistols than our fol$ are# It 'as his pistol( &ou $no'#4 4,as that clearl& made out:4 49es( sir# It 'as one of a pair that he had#4 4"ne of a pair: ,here is the other:4

4,ell( the gentleman has a lot of firearms of one sort and another# ,e ne)er <uite matched that particular pistol--but the box 'as made for t'o#4 4If it 'as one of a pair &ou should surel& be able to match it#4 4,ell( 'e ha)e them all laid out at the house if &ou 'ould care to loo$ them o)er#4 4 ater( perhaps# I thin$ 'e 'ill 'al$ do'n together and ha)e a loo$ at the scene of the traged&#4 This con)ersation had ta$en place in the little front room of Sergeant Co)entr&!s humble cottage 'hich ser)ed as the local police-station# / 'al$ of half a mile or so across a 'inds'ept heath( all gold and bronze 'ith the fading ferns( brought us to a side-gate opening into the grounds of the Thor Place estate# / path led us through the pheasant preser)es( and then from a clearing 'e sa' the 'idespread( half-timbered house( half Tudor and half Georgian( upon the crest of the hill# Beside us there 'as a long( reed& pool( constricted in the centre 'here the main carriage dri)e passed o)er a stone bridge( but s'elling into small la$es on either side# "ur guide paused at the mouth of this bridge( and he pointed to the ground# 4That 'as 'here Mrs# Gibson!s bod& la&# I mar$ed it b& that stone#4 4I understand that &ou 'ere there before it 'as mo)ed:4 49es( the& sent for me at once#4 4,ho did:4 4Mr# Gibson himself# The moment the alarm 'as gi)en and he had rushed do'n 'ith others from the house( he insisted that nothing should be mo)ed until the police should arri)e#4 4That 'as sensible# I gathered from the ne'spaper report that the shot 'as fired from close <uarters#4 49es( sir( )er& close#4 48ear the right temple:4 4Aust behind it( sir#4 4%o' did the bod& lie:4 4"n the bac$( sir# 8o trace of a struggle# 8o mar$s# 8o 'eapon# The short note from Miss +unbar 'as clutched in her left hand#4 4Clutched( &ou sa&:4 49es( sir( 'e could hardl& open the fingers#4 4That is of great importance# It excludes the idea that an&one could ha)e placed the note there after death in order to furnish a false clue# +ear me6 The note( as I remember( 'as <uite short? 4!I 'ill be at Thor Bridge at nine o!cloc$# G# +78B/R#! 4,as that not so:4 49es( sir#4 4+id Miss +unbar admit 'riting it:4 49es( sir#4

4,hat 'as her explanation:4 4%er defence 'as reser)ed for the /ssizes# She 'ould sa& nothing#4 4The problem is certainl& a )er& interesting one# The point of the letter is )er& obscure( is it not:4 4,ell( sir(4 said the guide( 4it seemed( if I ma& be so bold as to sa& so( the onl& reall& clear point in the 'hole case#4 %olmes shoo$ his head# 4Granting that the letter is genuine and 'as reall& 'ritten( it 'as certainl& recei)ed some time before--sa& one hour or t'o# ,h&( then( 'as this lad& still clasping it in her left hand: ,h& should she carr& it so carefull&: She did not need to refer to it in the inter)ie'# +oes it not seem remar$able:4 4,ell( sir( as &ou put it( perhaps it does#4 4I thin$ I should li$e to sit <uietl& for a fe' minutes and thin$ it out#4 %e seated himself upon the stone ledge of the bridge( and I could see his <uic$ gra& e&es darting their <uestioning glances in e)er& direction# Suddenl& he sprang up again and ran across to the opposite parapet( 'hipped his lens from his poc$et( and began to examine the stone'or$# 4This is curious(4 said he# 49es( sir( 'e sa' the chip on the ledge# I expect it!s been done b& some passer-b&#4 The stone'or$ 'as gra&( but at this one point it sho'ed 'hite for a space not larger than a sixpence# ,hen examined closel& one could see that the surface 'as chipped as b& a sharp blo'# 4It too$ some )iolence to do that(4 said %olmes thoughtfull&# ,ith his cane he struc$ the ledge se)eral times 'ithout lea)ing a mar$# 49es( it 'as a hard $noc$# In a curious place( too# It 'as not from abo)e but from belo'( for &ou see that it is on the lo'er edge of the parapet#4 4But it is at least fifteen feet from the bod&#4 49es( it is fifteen feet from the bod&# It ma& ha)e nothing to do 'ith the matter( but it is a point 'orth noting# I do not thin$ that 'e ha)e an&thing more to learn here# There 'ere no footsteps( &ou sa&:4 4The ground 'as iron hard( sir# There 'ere no traces at all#4 4Then 'e can go# ,e 'ill go up to the house first and loo$ o)er these 'eapons of 'hich &ou spea$# Then 'e shall get on to ,inchester( for I should desire to see Miss +unbar before 'e go farther#4 Mr# 8eil Gibson had not returned from to'n( but 'e sa' in the house the neurotic Mr# Bates 'ho had called upon us in the morning# %e sho'ed us 'ith a sinister relish the formidable arra& of firearms of )arious shapes and sizes 'hich his emplo&er had accumulated in the course of an ad)enturous life# 4Mr# Gibson has his enemies( as an&one 'ould expect 'ho $ne' him and his methods(4 said he# 4%e sleeps 'ith a loaded re)ol)er in the dra'er beside his bed# %e is a man of )iolence( sir( and there are times 'hen all of us are afraid of him# I am sure that the poor lad& 'ho has passed 'as often terrified#4 4+id &ou e)er 'itness ph&sical )iolence to'ards her:4

48o( I cannot sa& that# But I ha)e heard 'ords 'hich 'ere nearl& as bad --'ords of cold( cutting contempt( e)en before the ser)ants#4 4"ur millionaire does not seem to shine in pri)ate life(4 remar$ed %olmes as 'e made our 'a& to the station# 4,ell( ,atson( 'e ha)e come on a good man& facts( some of them ne' ones( and &et I seem some 'a& from m& conclusion# In spite of the )er& e)ident disli$e 'hich Mr# Bates has to his emplo&er( I gather from him that 'hen the alarm came he 'as undoubtedl& in his librar&# +inner 'as o)er at 1?=C and all 'as normal up to then# It is true that the alarm 'as some'hat late in the e)ening( but the traged& certainl& occurred about the hour named in the note# There is no e)idence at all that Mr# Gibson had been out of doors since his return from to'n at fi)e o!cloc$# "n the other hand( Miss +unbar( as I understand it( admits that she had made an appointment to meet Mrs# Gibson at the bridge# Be&ond this she 'ould sa& nothing( as her la'&er had ad)ised her to reser)e her defence# ,e ha)e se)eral )er& )ital <uestions to as$ that &oung lad&( and m& mind 'ill not be eas& until 'e ha)e seen her# I must confess that the case 'ould seem to me to be )er& blac$ against her if it 'ere not for one thing#4 4/nd 'hat is that( %olmes:4 4The finding of the pistol in her 'ardrobe#4 4+ear me( %olmes64 I cried( 4that seemed to me to be the most damning incident of all#4 48ot so( ,atson# It had struc$ me e)en at m& first perfunctor& reading as )er& strange( and no' that I am in closer touch 'ith the case it is m& onl& firm ground for hope# ,e must loo$ for consistenc&# ,here there is a 'ant of it 'e must suspect deception#4 4I hardl& follo' &ou#4 4,ell no'( ,atson( suppose for a moment that 'e )isualize &ou in the character of a 'oman 'ho( in a cold( premeditated fashion( is about to get rid of a ri)al# 9ou ha)e planned it# / note has been 'ritten# The )ictim has come# 9ou ha)e &our 'eapon# The crime is done# It has been 'or$manli$e and complete# +o &ou tell me that after carr&ing out so craft& a crime &ou 'ould no' ruin &our reputation as a criminal b& forgetting to fling &our 'eapon into those ad;acent reed-beds 'hich 'ould fore)er co)er it( but &ou must needs carr& it carefull& home and put it in &our o'n 'ardrobe( the )er& first place that 'ould be searched: 9our best friends 'ould hardl& call &ou a schemer( ,atson( and &et I could not picture &ou doing an&thing so crude as that#4 4In the excitement of the moment#4 48o( no( ,atson( I 'ill not admit that it is possible# ,here a crime is cooll& premeditated( then the means of co)ering it are cooll& premeditated also# I hope( therefore( that 'e are in the presence of a serious misconception#4 4But there is so much to explain#4 4,ell( 'e shall set about explaining it# ,hen once &our point of )ie' is changed( the )er& thing 'hich 'as so damning becomes a clue to the truth# *or example( there is this re)ol)er# Miss +unbar disclaims all $no'ledge of it# "n our ne' theor& she is spea$ing truth 'hen she sa&s so# Therefore( it 'as placed in her 'ardrobe# ,ho placed it there: Someone 'ho 'ished to incriminate her# ,as not that person the actual criminal: 9ou see ho' 'e come at once upon a most fruitful line of in<uir&#4

,e 'ere compelled to spend the night at ,inchester( as the formalities had not &et been completed( but next morning( in the compan& of Mr# Ao&ce Cummings( the rising barrister 'ho 'as entrusted 'ith the defence( 'e 'ere allo'ed to see the &oung lad& in her cell# I had expected from all that 'e had heard to see a beautiful 'oman( but I can ne)er forget the effect 'hich Miss +unbar produced upon me# It 'as no 'onder that e)en the masterful millionaire had found in her something more po'erful than himself--something 'hich could control and guide him# "ne felt( too( as one loo$ed at the strong( clear-cut( and &et sensiti)e face( that e)en should she be capable of some impetuous deed( none the less there 'as an innate nobilit& of character 'hich 'ould ma$e her influence al'a&s for the good# She 'as a brunette( tall( 'ith a noble figure and commanding presence( but her dar$ e&es had in them the appealing( helpless expression of the hunted creature 'ho feels the nets around it( but can see no 'a& out from the toils# 8o'( as she realized the presence and the help of m& famous friend( there came a touch of colour in her 'an chee$s and a light of hope began to glimmer in the glance 'hich she turned upon us# 4Perhaps Mr# 8eil Gibson has told &ou something of 'hat occurred bet'een us:4 she as$ed in a lo'( agitated )oice# 49es(4 %olmes ans'ered( 4&ou need not pain &ourself b& entering into that part of the stor&# /fter seeing &ou( I am prepared to accept Mr# Gibson!s statement both as to the influence 'hich &ou had o)er him and as to the innocence of &our relations 'ith him# But 'h& 'as the 'hole situation not brought out in court:4 4It seemed to me incredible that such a charge could be sustained# I thought that if 'e 'aited the 'hole thing must clear itself up 'ithout our being compelled to enter into painful details of the inner life of the famil&# But I understand that far from clearing it has become e)en more serious#4 4M& dear &oung lad&(4 cried %olmes earnestl&( 4I beg &ou to ha)e no illusions upon the point# Mr# Cummings here 'ould assure &ou that all the cards are at present against us( and that 'e must do e)er&thing that is possible if 'e are to 'in clear# It 'ould be a cruel deception to pretend that &ou are not in )er& great danger# Gi)e me all the help &ou can( then( to get at the truth#4 4I 'ill conceal nothing#4 4Tell us( then( of &our true relations 'ith Mr# Gibson!s 'ife#4 4She hated me( Mr# %olmes# She hated me 'ith all the fer)our of her tropical nature# She 'as a 'oman 'ho 'ould do nothing b& hal)es( and the measure of her lo)e for her husband 'as the measure also of her hatred for me# It is probable that she misunderstood our relations# I 'ould not 'ish to 'rong her( but she lo)ed so )i)idl& in a ph&sical sense that she could hardl& understand the mental( and e)en spiritual( tie 'hich held her husband to me( or imagine that it 'as onl& m& desire to influence his po'er to good ends 'hich $ept me under his roof# I can see no' that I 'as 'rong# 8othing could ;ustif& me in remaining 'here I 'as a cause of unhappiness( and &et it is certain that the unhappiness 'ould ha)e remained e)en if I had left the house#4 48o'( Miss +unbar(4 said %olmes( 4I beg &ou to tell us exactl& 'hat occurred that e)ening#4 4I can tell &ou the truth so far as I $no' it( Mr# %olmes( but I am in a position to pro)e nothing( and there are points--the most )ital points--'hich I can neither explain nor can I imagine an& explanation#4

4If &ou 'ill find the facts( perhaps others ma& find the explanation#4 4,ith regard( then( to m& presence at Thor Bridge that night( I recei)ed a note from Mrs# Gibson in the morning# It la& on the table of the schoolroom( and it ma& ha)e been left there b& her o'n hand# It implored me to see her there after dinner( said she had something important to sa& to me( and as$ed me to lea)e an ans'er on the sundial in the garden( as she desired no one to be in our confidence# I sa' no reason for such secrec&( but I did as she as$ed( accepting the appointment# She as$ed me to destro& her note and I burned it in the schoolroom grate# She 'as )er& much afraid of her husband( 'ho treated her 'ith a harshness for 'hich I fre<uentl& reproached him( and I could onl& imagine that she acted in this 'a& because she did not 'ish him to $no' of our inter)ie'#4 49et she $ept &our repl& )er& carefull&:4 49es# I 'as surprised to hear that she had it in her hand 'hen she died#4 4,ell( 'hat happened then:4 4I 'ent do'n as I had promised# ,hen I reached the bridge she 'as 'aiting for me# 8e)er did I realize till that moment ho' this poor creature hated me# She 'as li$e a mad 'oman-indeed( I thin$ she 'as a mad 'oman( subtl& mad 'ith the deep po'er of deception 'hich insane people ma& ha)e# %o' else could she ha)e met me 'ith unconcern e)er& da& and &et had so raging a hatred of me in her heart: I 'ill not sa& 'hat she said# She poured her 'hole 'ild fur& out in burning and horrible 'ords# I did not e)en ans'er--I could not# It 'as dreadful to see her# I put m& hands to m& ears and rushed a'a&# ,hen I left her she 'as standing( still shrie$ing out her curses at me( in the mouth of the bridge#4 4,here she 'as after'ards found:4 4,ithin a fe' &ards from the spot#4 4/nd &et( presuming that she met her death shortl& after &ou left her( &ou heard no shot:4 48o( I heard nothing# But( indeed( Mr# %olmes( I 'as so agitated and horrified b& this terrible outbrea$ that I rushed to get bac$ to the peace of m& o'n room( and I 'as incapable of noticing an&thing 'hich happened#4 49ou sa& that &ou returned to &our room# +id &ou lea)e it again before next morning:4 49es( 'hen the alarm came that the poor creature had met her death I ran out 'ith the others#4 4+id &ou see Mr# Gibson:4 49es( he had ;ust returned from the bridge 'hen I sa' him# %e had sent for the doctor and the police#4 4+id he seem to &ou much perturbed:4 4Mr# Gibson is a )er& strong( self-contained man# I do not thin$ that he 'ould e)er sho' his emotions on the surface# But I( 'ho $ne' him so 'ell( could see that he 'as deepl& concerned#4 4Then 'e come to the all-important point# This pistol that 'as found in &our room# %ad &ou e)er seen it before:4 48e)er( I s'ear it#4 4,hen 'as it found:4

48ext morning( 'hen the police made their search#4 4/mong &our clothes:4 49es( on the floor of m& 'ardrobe under m& dresses#4 49ou could not guess ho' long it had been there:4 4It had not been there the morning before#4 4%o' do &ou $no':4 4Because I tidied out the 'ardrobe#4 4That is final# Then someone came into &our room and placed the pistol there in order to inculpate &ou#4 4It must ha)e been so#4 4/nd 'hen:4 4It could onl& ha)e been at meal-time( or else at the hours 'hen I 'ould be in the schoolroom 'ith the children#4 4/s &ou 'ere 'hen &ou got the note:4 49es( from that time on'ard for the 'hole morning#4 4Than$ &ou( Miss +unbar# Is there an& other point 'hich could help me in the in)estigation:4 4I can thin$ of none#4 4There 'as some sign of )iolence on the stone'or$ of the bridge--a perfectl& fresh chip ;ust opposite the bod&# Could &ou suggest an& possible explanation of that:4 4Surel& it must be a mere coincidence#4 4Curious( Miss +unbar( )er& curious# ,h& should it appear at the )er& time of the traged&( and 'h& at the )er& place:4 4But 'hat could ha)e caused it: "nl& great )iolence could ha)e such an effect#4 %olmes did not ans'er# %is pale( eager face had suddenl& assumed that tense( far-a'a& expression 'hich I had learned to associate 'ith the supreme manifestations of his genius# So e)ident 'as the crisis in his mind that none of us dared to spea$( and 'e sat( barrister( prisoner( and m&self( 'atching him in a concentrated and absorbed silence# Suddenl& he sprang from his chair( )ibrating 'ith ner)ous energ& and the pressing need for action# 4Come( ,atson( come64 he cried# 4,hat is it( Mr# %olmes:4 48e)er mind( m& dear lad&# 9ou 'ill hear from me( Mr# Cummings# ,ith the help of the god of ;ustice I 'ill gi)e &ou a case 'hich 'ill ma$e 5ngland ring# 9ou 'ill get ne's b& to-morro'( Miss +unbar( and mean'hile ta$e m& assurance that the clouds are lifting and that I ha)e e)er& hope that the light of truth is brea$ing through#4 It 'as not a long ;ourne& from ,inchester to Thor Place( but it 'as long to me in m& impatience( 'hile for %olmes it 'as e)ident that it seemed endless. for( in his ner)ous restlessness he could not sit still( but paced the carriage or drummed 'ith his long( sensiti)e fingers upon the cushions beside him# Suddenl&( ho'e)er( as 'e neared our destination he seated himself opposite to me--'e had a first-class carriage to oursel)es--and la&ing a hand

upon each of m& $nees he loo$ed into m& e&es 'ith the peculiarl& mischie)ous gaze 'hich 'as charactenstic of his more imp-li$e moods# 4,atson(4 said he( 4I ha)e some recollection that &ou go armed upon these excursions of ours#4 It 'as as 'ell for him that I did so( for he too$ little care for his o'n safet& 'hen his mind 'as once absorbed b& a problem so that more than once m& re)ol)er had been a good friend in need# I reminded him of the fact# 49es( &es( I am a little absent-minded in such matters# But ha)e &ou &our re)ol)er on &ou:4 I produced it from m& hip-poc$et( a short( hand&( but )er& ser)iceable little 'eapon# %e undid the catch( shoo$ out the cartridges( and examined it 'ith care# 4It!s hea)&--remar$abl& hea)&(4 said he# 49es( it is a solid bit of 'or$#4 %e mused o)er it for a minute# 4+o &ou $no'( ,atson(4 said he( 4I belie)e &our re)ol)er is going to ha)e a )er& intimate connection 'ith the m&ster& 'hich 'e are in)estigating#4 4M& dear %olmes( &ou are ;o$ing#4 48o( ,atson( I am )er& serious# There is a test before us# If the test comes off( all 'ill be clear# /nd the test 'ill depend upon the conduct of this little 'eapon# "ne cartridge out# 8o' 'e 'ill replace the other fi)e and put on the safet&-catch# So6 That increases the 'eight and ma$es it a better reproduction#4 I had no glimmer of 'hat 'as in his mind( nor did he enlighten me( but sat lost in thought until 'e pulled up in the little %ampshire station# ,e secured a ramshac$le trap( and in a <uarter of an hour 'ere at the house of our confidential friend( the sergeant# 4/ clue( Mr# %olmes: ,hat is it:4 4It all depends upon the beha)iour of +r# ,atson!s re)ol)er(4 said m& friend# 4%ere it is# 8o'( officer( can &ou gi)e me ten &ards of string:4 The )illage shop pro)ided a ball of stout t'ine# 4I thin$ that this is all 'e 'ill need(4 said %olmes# 48o'( if &ou please( 'e 'ill get off on 'hat I hope is the last stage of our ;ourne&#4 The sun 'as setting and turning the rolling %ampshire moor into a 'onderful autumnal panorama# The sergeant( 'ith man& critical and incredulous glances( 'hich sho'ed his deep doubts of the sanit& of m& companion( lurched along beside us# /s 'e approached the scene of the crime I could see that m& friend under all his habitual coolness 'as in truth deepl& agitated# 49es(4 he said in ans'er to m& remar$( 4&ou ha)e seen me miss m& mar$ before( ,atson# I ha)e an instinct for such things( and &et it has sometimes pla&ed me false# It seemed a certaint& 'hen first it flashed across m& mind in the cell at ,inchester( but one dra'bac$ of an acti)e mind is that one can al'a&s concei)e alternati)e explanations 'hich 'ould ma$e our scent a false one# /nd &et--and &et--,ell( ,atson( 'e can but tr&#4 /s he 'al$ed he had firml& tied one end of the string to the handle of the re)ol)er# ,e had no' reached the scene of the traged&# ,ith great care he mar$ed out under the guidance of

the policeman the exact spot 'here the bod& had been stretched# %e then hunted among the heather and the ferns until he found a considerable stone# This he secured to the other end of his line of string( and he hung it o)er the parapet of the bridge so that it s'ung clear abo)e the 'ater# %e then stood on the fatal spot( some distance from the edge of the bridge( 'ith m& re)ol)er in his hand( the string being taut bet'een the 'eapon and the hea)& stone on the farther side# 48o' for it64 he cried# /t the 'ords he raised the pistol to his head( and then let go his grip# In an instant it had been 'his$ed a'a& b& the 'eight of the stone( had struc$ 'ith a sharp crac$ against the parapet( and had )anished o)er the side into the 'ater# It had hardl& gone before %olmes 'as $neeling beside the stone'or$( and a ;o&ous cr& sho'ed that he had found 'hat he expected# 4,as there e)er a more exact demonstration:4 he cried# 4See( ,atson( &our re)ol)er has sol)ed the problem64 /s he spo$e he pointed to a second chip of the exact size and shape of the first 'hich had appeared on the under edge of the stone balustrade# 4,e!ll sta& at the inn to-night(4 he continued as he rose and faced the astonished sergeant# 49ou 'ill( of course( get a grappling-hoo$ and &ou 'ill easil& restore m& friend!s re)ol)er# 9ou 'ill also find beside it the re)ol)er( string and 'eight 'ith 'hich this )indicti)e 'oman attempted to disguise her o'n crime and to fasten a charge of murder upon an innocent )ictim# 9ou can let Mr# Gibson $no' that I 'ill see him in the morning( 'hen steps can be ta$en for Miss +unbar!s )indication#4 ate that e)ening( as 'e sat together smo$ing our pipes in the )illage inn( %olmes ga)e me a brief re)ie' of 'hat had passed# 4I fear( ,atson(4 said he( 4that &ou 'ill not impro)e an& reputation 'hich I ma& ha)e ac<uired b& adding the case of the Thor Bridge m&ster& to &our annals# I ha)e been sluggish in mind and 'anting in that mixture of imagination and realit& 'hich is the basis of m& art# I confess that the chip in the stone'or$ 'as a sufficient clue to suggest the true solution( and that I blame m&self for not ha)ing attained it sooner# 4It must be admitted that the 'or$ings of this unhapp& 'oman!s mind 'ere deep and subtle( so that it 'as no )er& simple matter to unra)el her plot# I do not thin$ that in our ad)entures 'e ha)e e)er come across a stranger example of 'hat per)erted lo)e can bring about# ,hether Miss +unbar 'as her ri)al in a ph&sical or in a merel& mental sense seems to ha)e been e<uall& unforgi)able in her e&es# 8o doubt she blamed this innocent lad& for all those harsh dealings and un$ind 'ords 'ith 'hich her husband tried to repel her too demonstrati)e affection# %er first resolution 'as to end her o'n life# %er second 'as to do it in such a 'a& as to in)ol)e her )ictim in a fate 'hich 'as 'orse far than an& sudden death could be# 4,e can follo' the )arious steps <uite clearl&( and the& sho' a remar$able subtlet& of mind# / note 'as extracted )er& cle)erl& from Miss +unbar 'hich 'ould ma$e it appear that she had chosen the scene of the crime# In her anxiet& that it should be disco)ered she some'hat o)erdid it b& holding it in her hand to the last# This alone should ha)e excited m& suspicions earlier than it did# 4Then she too$ one of her husband!s re)ol)ers--there 'as( as &ou sa'( an arsenal in the house--and $ept it for her o'n use# / similar one she concealed that morning in Miss +unbar!s 'ardrobe after discharging one barrel( 'hich she could easil& do in the 'oods 'ithout attracting attention# She then 'ent do'n to the bridge 'here she had contri)ed this exceedingl& ingenious method for getting rid of her 'eapon# ,hen Miss +unbar appeared

she used her last breath in pouring out her hatred( and then( 'hen she 'as out of hearing( carried out her terrible purpose# 5)er& lin$ is no' in its place and the chain is complete# The papers ma& as$ 'h& the mere 'as not dragged in the first instance( but it is eas& to be 'ise after the e)ent( and in an& case the expanse of a reed-filled la$e is no eas& matter to drag unless &ou ha)e a clear perception of 'hat &ou are loo$ing for and 'here# ,ell( ,atson( 'e ha)e helped a remar$able 'oman( and also a formidable man# Should the& in the future ;oin their forces( as seems not unli$el&( the financial 'orld ma& find that Mr# 8eil Gibson has learned something in that schoolroom of sorro' 'here our earthl& lessons are taught#4

ADVENTURE

! THE ADVENTURE OF THE CREEP N& "AN

Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes 'as al'a&s of opinion that I should publish the singular facts connected 'ith Professor Presbur&( if onl& to dispel once for all the ugl& rumours 'hich some t'ent& &ears ago agitated the uni)ersit& and 'ere echoed in the learned societies of ondon# There 'ere( ho'e)er( certain obstacles in the 'a&( and the true histor& of this curious case remained entombed in the tin box 'hich contains so man& records of m& friend!s ad)entures# 8o' 'e ha)e at last obtained permission to )entilate the facts 'hich formed one of the )er& last cases handled b& %olmes before his retirement from practice# 5)en no' a certain reticence and discretion ha)e to be obser)ed in la&ing the matter before the public# It 'as one Sunda& e)ening earl& in September of the &ear 03C= that I recei)ed one of %olmes!s laconic messages? Come at once if con)enient--if incon)enient come all the same# S#%# The relations bet'een us in those latter da&s 'ere peculiar# %e 'as a man of habits( narro' and concentrated habits( and I had become one of them# /s an institution I 'as li$e the )iolin( the shag tobacco( the old blac$ pipe( the index boo$s( and others perhaps less excusable# ,hen it 'as a case of acti)e 'or$ and a comrade 'as needed upon 'hose ner)e he could place some reliance( m& role 'as ob)ious# But apart from this I had uses# I 'as a 'hetstone for his mind# I stimulated him# %e li$ed to thin$ aloud in m& presence# %is remar$s could hardl& be said to be made to me--man& of them 'ould ha)e been as appropriatel& addressed to his bedstead--but none the less( ha)ing formed the habit( it had become in some 'a& helpful that I should register and inter;ect# If I irritated him b& a certain methodical slo'ness in m& mentalit&( that irritation ser)ed onl& to ma$e his o'n flame-li$e intuitions and impressions flash up the more )i)idl& and s'iftl&# Such 'as m& humble role in our alliance# ,hen I arri)ed at Ba$er Street I found him huddled up in his armchair 'ith updra'n $nees( his pipe in his mouth and his bro' furro'ed 'ith thought# It 'as clear that he 'as in the throes of some )exatious problem# ,ith a 'a)e of his hand he indicated m& old armchair( but other'ise for half an hour he ga)e no sign that he 'as a'are of m& presence# Then 'ith a start he seemed to come from his re)erie( and 'ith his usual 'himsical smile he greeted me bac$ to 'hat had once been m& home# 49ou 'ill excuse a certain abstraction of mind( m& dear ,atson(4 said he# 4Some curious facts ha)e been submitted to me 'ithin the last t'ent&-four hours( and the& in turn ha)e gi)en rise to some speculations of a more general character# I ha)e serious thoughts of 'riting a small monograph upon the uses of dogs in the 'or$ of the detecti)e#4 4But surel&( %olmes( this has been explored(4 said I# 4Bloodhounds-- sleuth-hounds--4

48o( no( ,atson( that side of the matter is( of course( ob)ious# But there is another 'hich is far more subtle# 9ou ma& recollect that in the case 'hich &ou( in &our sensational 'a&( coupled 'ith the Copper Beeches( I 'as able( b& 'atching the mind of the child( to form a deduction as to the criminal habits of the )er& smug and respectable father#4 49es( I remember it 'ell#4 4M& line of thoughts about dogs is analogous# / dog reflects the famil& life# ,hoe)er sa' a fris$& dog in a gloom& famil&( or a sad dog in a happ& one: Snarling people ha)e snarling dogs( dangerous people ha)e dangerous ones# /nd their passing moods ma& reflect the passing moods of others#4 I shoo$ m& head# 4Surel&( %olmes( this is a little far-fetched(4 said I# %e had refilled his pipe and resumed his seat( ta$ing no notice of m& comment# 4The practical application of 'hat I ha)e said is )er& close to the problem 'hich I am in)estigating# It is a tangled s$ein( &ou understand# and I am loo$ing for a loose end# "ne possible loose end lies in the <uestion? ,h& does Professor Presbur&!s 'olfhound( Ro&( endea)our to bite him:4 I san$ bac$ in m& chair in some disappointment# ,as it for so tri)ial a <uestion as this that I had been summoned from m& 'or$: %olmes glanced across at me# 4The same old ,atson64 said he# 49ou ne)er learn that the gra)est issues ma& depend upon the smallest things# But is it not on the face of it strange that a staid( elderl& philosopher-&ou!)e heard of Presbur&( of course( the famous Camford ph&siologist:--that such a man( 'hose friend has been his de)oted 'olfhound( should no' ha)e been t'ice attac$ed b& his o'n dog: ,hat do &ou ma$e of it:4 4The dog is ill#4 4,ell( that has to be considered# But he attac$s no one else( nor does he apparentl& molest his master( sa)e on )er& special occasions# Curious( ,atson--)er& curious# But &oung Mr# Bennett is before his time if that is his ring# I had hoped to ha)e a longer chat 'ith &ou before he came#4 There 'as a <uic$ step on the stairs( a sharp tap at the door and a moment later the ne' client presented himself# %e 'as a tall( handsome &outh about thirt&( 'ell dressed and elegant( but 'ith something in his bearing 'hich suggested the sh&ness of the student rather than the self-possession of the man of the 'orld# %e shoo$ hands 'ith %olmes( and then loo$ed 'ith some surprise at me# 4This matter is )er& delicate( Mr# %olmes(4 he said# 4Consider the relation in 'hich I stand to Professor Presbur& both pri)atel& and publicl&# I reall& can hardl& ;ustif& m&self if I spea$ before an& third person#4 4%a)e no fear( Mr# Bennett# +r# ,atson is the )er& soul of discretion( and I can assure &ou that this is a matter in 'hich I am )er& li$el& to need an assistant#4 4/s &ou li$e( Mr# %olmes# 9ou 'ill( I am sure( understand m& ha)ing some reser)es in the matter#4 49ou 'ill appreciate it( ,atson( 'hen I tell &ou that this gentleman( Mr# Tre)or Bennett( is professional assistant to the great scientist( li)es under his roof( and is engaged to his onl& daughter# Certainl& 'e must agree that the professor has e)er& claim upon his lo&alt& and

de)otion# But it ma& best be sho'n b& ta$ing the necessar& steps to clear up this strange m&ster&#4 4I hope so( Mr# %olmes# That is m& one ob;ect# +oes +r# ,atson $no' the situation:4 4I ha)e not had time to explain it#4 4Then perhaps I had better go o)er the ground again before explaining some fresh de)elopments#4 4I 'ill do so m&self(4 said %olmes( 4in order to sho' that I ha)e the e)ents in their due order# The professor( ,atson( is a man of 5uropean reputation# %is life has been academic# There has ne)er been a breath of scandal# %e is a 'ido'er 'ith one daughter( 5dith# %e is( I gather( a man of )er& )irile and positi)e( one might almost sa& combati)e( character# So the matter stood until a )er& fe' months ago# 4Then the current of his life 'as bro$en# %e is sixt&-one &ears of age( but he became engaged to the daughter of Professor Morph&( his colleague in the chair of comparati)e anatom&# It 'as not( as I understand( the reasoned courting of an elderl& man but rather the passionate frenz& of &outh( for no one could ha)e sho'n himself a more de)oted lo)er# The lad&( /lice Morph&( 'as a )er& perfect girl both in mind and bod&( so that there 'as e)er& excuse for the professor!s infatuation# 8one the less( it did not meet 'ith full appro)al in his o'n famil&#4 4,e thought it rather excessi)e(4 said our )isitor# 45xactl&# 5xcessi)e and a little )iolent and unnatural# Professor Presbur& 'as rich( ho'e)er( and there 'as no ob;ection upon the part of the father# The daughter( ho'e)er( had other )ie's( and there 'ere alread& se)eral candidates for her hand( 'ho( if the& 'ere less eligible from a 'orldl& point of )ie'( 'ere at least more of an age# The girl seemed to li$e the professor in spite of his eccentricities# It 'as onl& age 'hich stood in the 'a&# 4/bout this time a little m&ster& suddenl& clouded the normal routine of the professor!s life# %e did 'hat he had ne)er done before# %e left home and ga)e no indication 'here he 'as going# %e 'as a'a& a fortnight and returned loo$ing rather tra)el-'orn# %e made no allusion to 'here he had been( although he 'as usuall& the fran$est of men# It chanced( ho'e)er( that our client here( Mr# Bennett( recei)ed a letter from a fello'student in Prague( 'ho said that he 'as glad to ha)e seen Professor Presbur& there( although he had not been able to tal$ to him# "nl& in this 'a& did his o'n household learn 'here he had been# 48o' comes the point# *rom that time on'ard a curious change came o)er the professor# %e became furti)e and sl&# Those around him had al'a&s the feeling that he 'as not the man that the& had $no'n( but that he 'as under some shado' 'hich had dar$ened his higher <ualities# %is intellect 'as not affected# %is lectures 'ere as brilliant as e)er# But al'a&s there 'as something ne'( something sinister and unexpected# %is daughter( 'ho 'as de)oted to him( tried again and again to resume the old relations and to penetrate this mas$ 'hich her father seemed to ha)e put on# 9ou( sir( as I understand( did the same--but all 'as in )ain# /nd no'( Mr# Bennett( tell in &our o'n 'ords the incident of the letters#4 49ou must understand( +r# ,atson( that the professor had no secrets from me# If I 'ere his son or his &ounger brother I could not ha)e more completel& en;o&ed his confidence# /s his secretar& I handled e)er& paper 'hich came to him( and I opened and subdi)ided his letters# Shortl& after his return all this 'as changed# %e told me that certain letters might come to him from ondon 'hich 'ould be mar$ed b& a cross under the stamp# These 'ere to be set aside for his o'n e&es onl&# I ma& sa& that se)eral of these did pass through m& hands( that the&

had the 5# C# mar$( and 'ere in an illiterate hand'riting# If he ans'ered them at all the ans'ers did not pass through m& hands nor into the letterbas$et in 'hich our correspondence 'as collected#4 4/nd the box(4 said %olmes# 4/h( &es( the box# The professor brought bac$ a little 'ooden box from his tra)els# It 'as the one thing 'hich suggested a Continental tour( for it 'as one of those <uaint car)ed things 'hich one associates 'ith German&# This he placed in his instrument cupboard# "ne da&( in loo$ing for a canula( I too$ up the box# To m& surprise he 'as )er& angr&( and repro)ed me in 'ords 'hich 'ere <uite sa)age for m& curiosit&# It 'as the first time such a thing had happened( and I 'as deepl& hurt# I endea)oured to explain that it 'as a mere accident that I had touched the box( but all the e)ening I 'as conscious that he loo$ed at me harshl& and that the incident 'as ran$ling in his mind#4 Mr# Bennett dre' a little diar& boo$ from his poc$et# 4That 'as on Aul& @d(4 said he# 49ou are certainl& an admirable 'itness(4 said %olmes# 4I ma& need some of these dates 'hich &ou ha)e noted#4 4I learned method among other things from m& great teacher# *rom the time that I obser)ed abnormalit& in his beha)iour I felt that it 'as m& dut& to stud& his case# Thus I ha)e it here that it 'as on that )er& da&( Aul& @d( that Ro& attac$ed the professor as he came from his stud& into the hall# /gain( on Aul& 00th( there 'as a scene of the same sort( and then I ha)e a note of &et another upon Aul& @Cth# /fter that 'e had to banish Ro& to the stables# %e 'as a dear( affectionate animal--but I fear I 'ear& &ou#4 Mr# Bennett spo$e in a tone of reproach( for it 'as )er& clear that %olmes 'as not listening# %is face 'as rigid and his e&es gazed abstractedl& at the ceiling# ,ith an effort he reco)ered himself# 4Singular6 Most singular64 he murmured# 4These details 'ere ne' to me( Mr# Bennett# I thin$ 'e ha)e no' fairl& gone o)er the old ground( ha)e 'e not: But &ou spo$e of some fresh de)elopments#4 The pleasant( open face of our )isitor clouded o)er( shado'ed b& some grim remembrance# 4,hat I spea$ of occurred the night before last(4 said he# 4I 'as l&ing a'a$e about t'o in the morning( 'hen I 'as a'are of a dull muffled sound coming from the passage# I opened m& door and peeped out# I should explain that the professor sleeps at the end of the passage--4 4The date being:4 as$ed %olmes# "ur )isitor 'as clearl& anno&ed at so irrele)ant an interruption# 4I ha)e said( sir( that it 'as the night before last--that is( September Dth#4 %olmes nodded and smiled# 4Pra& continue(4 said he# 4%e sleeps at the end of the passage and 'ould ha)e to pass m& door in order to reach the staircase# It 'as a reall& terrif&ing experience( Mr# %olmes# I thin$ that I am as strong-ner)ed as m& neighbours( but I 'as sha$en b& 'hat I sa'# The passage 'as dar$ sa)e that one 'indo' half'a& along it thre' a patch of light# I could see that something 'as coming along the passage( something dar$ and crouching# Then suddenl& it emerged into the light( and I sa' that it 'as he# %e 'as cra'ling( Mr# %olmes--cra'ling6 %e 'as not <uite on his hands and $nees# I should rather sa& on his hands and feet( 'ith his face sun$ bet'een his hands#

9et he seemed to mo)e 'ith ease# I 'as so paral&zed b& the sight that it 'as not until he had reached m& door that I 'as able to step for'ard and as$ if I could assist him# %is ans'er 'as extraordinar&# %e sprang up( spat out some atrocious 'ord at me( and hurried on past me( and do'n the staircase# I 'aited about for an hour( but he did not come bac$# It must ha)e been da&light before he regained his room#4 4,ell( ,atson( 'hat ma$e &ou of that:4 as$ed %olmes 'ith the air of the pathologist 'ho presents a rare specimen# 4 umbago( possibl&# I ha)e $no'n a se)ere attac$ ma$e a man 'al$ in ;ust such a 'a&( and nothing 'ould be more tr&ing to the temper#4 4Good( ,atson6 9ou al'a&s $eep us flat-footed on the ground# But 'e can hardl& accept lumbago( since he 'as able to stand erect in a moment#4 4%e 'as ne)er better in health(4 said Bennett# 4In fact( he is stronger than I ha)e $no'n him for &ears# But there are the facts( Mr# %olmes# It is not a case in 'hich 'e can consult the police( and &et 'e are utterl& at our 'it!s end as to 'hat to do( and 'e feel in some strange 'a& that 'e are drifting to'ards disaster# 5dith--Miss Presbur&-- feels as I do( that 'e cannot 'ait passi)el& an& longer#4 4It is certainl& a )er& curious and suggesti)e case# ,hat do &ou thin$( ,atson:4 4Spea$ing as a medical man(4 said I( 4it appears to be a case for an alienist# The old gentleman!s cerebral processes 'ere disturbed b& the lo)e affair# %e made a ;ourne& abroad in the hope of brea$ing himself of the passion# %is letters and the box ma& be connected 'ith some other pri)ate transaction--a loan( perhaps( or share cenificates( 'hich are in the box#4 4/nd the 'olfhound no doubt disappro)ed of the financial bargain# 8o( no( ,atson( there is more in it than this# 8o'( I can onl& suggest--4 ,hat Sherloc$ %olmes 'as about to suggest 'ill ne)er be $no'n( for at this moment the door opened and a &oung lad& 'as sho'n into the room# /s she appeared Mr# Bennett sprang up 'ith a cr& and ran for'ard 'ith his hands out to meet those 'hich she had herself outstretched# 45dith( dear6 8othing the matter( I hope:4 4I felt I must follo' &ou# "h( Aac$( I ha)e been so dreadfull& frightened6 It is a'ful to be there alone#4 4Mr# %olmes( this is the &oung lad& I spo$e of# This is m& fiancee#4 4,e 'ere graduall& coming to that conclusion( 'ere 'e not( ,atson:4 %olmes ans'ered 'ith a smile# 4I ta$e it( Miss Presbur&( that there is some fresh de)elopment in the case( and that &ou thought 'e should $no':4 "ur ne' )isitor( a bright( handsome girl of a con)entional 5nglish t&pe( smiled bac$ at %olmes as she seated herself beside Mr# Bennett# 4,hen I found Mr# Bennett had left his hotel I thought I should probabl& find him here# "f course( he had told me that he 'ould consult &ou# But( oh( Mr# %olmes( can &ou do nothing for m& poor father:4 4I ha)e hopes( Miss Presbur&( but the case is still obscure# Perhaps 'hat &ou ha)e to sa& ma& thro' some fresh light upon it#4

4It 'as last night( Mr# %olmes# %e had been )er& strange all da&# I am sure that there are times 'hen he has no recollection of 'hat he does# %e li)es as in a strange dream# 9esterda& 'as such a da&# It 'as not m& father 'ith 'hom I li)ed# %is out'ard shell 'as there( but it 'as not reall& he#4 4Tell me 'hat happened#4 4I 'as a'a$ened in the night b& the dog bar$ing most furiousl&# Poor Ro&( he is chained no' near the stable# I ma& sa& that I al'a&s sleep 'ith m& door loc$ed. for( as Aac$--as Mr# Bennett--'ill tell &ou( 'e all ha)e a feeling of impending danger# M& room is on the second floor# It happened that the blind 'as up in m& 'indo'( and there 'as bright moonlight outside# /s I la& 'ith m& e&es fixed upon the s<uare of light( listening to the frenzied bar$ings of the dog( I 'as amazed to see m& father!s face loo$ing in at me# Mr# %olmes( I nearl& died of surprise and horror# There it 'as pressed against the 'indo'pane( and one hand seemed to be raised as if to push up the 'indo'# If that 'indo' had opened( I thin$ I should ha)e gone mad# It 'as no delusion( Mr# %olmes# +on!t decei)e &ourself b& thin$ing so# I dare sa& it 'as t'ent& seconds or so that I la& paral&zed and 'atched the face# Then it )anished( but I could not--I could not spring out of bed and loo$ out after it# I la& cold and shi)ering till morning# /t brea$fast he 'as sharp and fierce in manner( and made no allusion to the ad)enture of the night# 8either did I( but I ga)e an excuse for coming to to'n-- and here I am#4 %olmes loo$ed thoroughl& surprised at Miss Presbur&!s narrati)e# 4M& dear &oung lad&( &ou sa& that &our room is on the second floor# Is there a long ladder in the garden:4 48o( Mr# %olmes( that is the amazing part of it# There is no possible 'a& of reaching the 'indo'--and &et he 'as there#4 4The date being September Eth(4 said %olmes# 4That certainl& complicates matters#4 It 'as the &oung lad&!s turn to loo$ surprised# 4This is the second time that &ou ha)e alluded to the date( Mr# %olmes(4 said Bennett# 4Is it possible that it has an& bearing upon the case:4 4It is possible--)er& possible--and &et I ha)e not m& full material at present#4 4Possibl& &ou are thin$ing of the connection bet'een insanit& and phases of the moon:4 48o( I assure &ou# It 'as <uite a different line of thought# Possibl& &ou can lea)e &our noteboo$ 'ith me( and I 'ill chec$ the dates# 8o' I thin$( ,atson( that our line of action is perfectl& clear# This &oung lad& has informed us--and I ha)e the greatest confidence in her intuition--that her father remembers little or nothing 'hich occurs upon certain dates# ,e 'ill therefore call upon him as if he had gi)en us an appointment upon such a date# %e 'ill put it do'n to his o'n lac$ of memor&# Thus 'e 'ill open our campaign b& ha)ing a good close )ie' of him#4 4That is excellent(4 said Mr# Bennett# 4I 'arn &ou( ho'e)er( that the professor is irascible and )iolent at times#4 %olmes smiled# 4There are reasons 'h& 'e should come at once--)er& cogent reasons if m& theories hold good# To-morro'( Mr# Bennett( 'ill certainl& see us in Camford# There is( if I remember right( an inn called the Che<uers 'here the port used to be abo)e mediocrit& and the linen 'as abo)e reproach# I thin$( ,atson( that our lot for the next fe' da&s might lie in less pleasant places#4

Monda& morning found us on our 'a& to the famous uni)ersit& to'n--an eas& effort on the part of %olmes( 'ho had no roots to pull up( but one 'hich in)ol)ed frantic planning and hurr&ing on m& part( as m& practice 'as b& this time not inconsiderable# %olmes made no allusion to the case until after 'e had deposited our suitcases at the ancient hostel of 'hich he had spo$en# 4I thin$( ,atson( that 'e can catch the professor ;ust before lunch# %e lectures at ele)en and should ha)e an inter)al at home#4 4,hat possible excuse ha)e 'e for calling:4 %olmes glanced at his noteboo$# 4There 'as a period of excitement upon /ugust @>th# ,e 'ill assume that he is a little haz& as to 'hat he does at such times# If 'e insist that 'e are there b& appointment I thin$ he 'ill hardl& )enture to contradict us# %a)e &ou the effronter& necessar& to put it through:4 4,e can but tr&#4 45xcellent( ,atson6 Compound of the Bus& Bee and 5xcelsior# ,e can but tr&--the motto of the firm# / friendl& nati)e 'ill surel& guide us#4 Such a one on the bac$ of a smart hansom s'ept us past a ro' of ancient colleges and( finall& turning into a tree-lined dri)e( pulled up at the door of a charming house( girt round 'ith la'ns and co)ered 'ith purple 'istaria# Professor Presbur& 'as certainl& surrounded 'ith e)er& sign not onl& of comfort but of luxur&# 5)en as 'e pulled up( a grizzled head appeared at the front 'indo'( and 'e 'ere a'are of a pair of $een e&es from under shagg& bro's 'hich sur)e&ed us through large horn glasses# / moment later 'e 'ere actuall& in his sanctum( and the m&sterious scientist( 'hose )agaries had brought us from ondon( 'as standing before us# There 'as certainl& no sign of eccentricit& either in his manner or appearance( for he 'as a portl&( largefeatured man( gra)e( tall( and froc$-coated( 'ith the dignit& of bearing 'hich a lecturer needs# %is e&es 'ere his most remar$able feature( $een( obser)ant( and cle)er to the )erge of cunning# %e loo$ed at our cards# 4Pra& sit do'n( gentlemen# ,hat can I do for &ou:4 Mr# %olmes smiled amiabl&# 4It 'as the <uestion 'hich I 'as about to put to &ou( Professor#4 4To me( sir64 4Possibl& there is some mista$e# I heard through a second person that Professor Presbur& of Camford had need of m& ser)ices#4 4"h( indeed64 It seemed to me that there 'as a malicious spar$le in the intense gra& e&es# 49ou heard that( did &ou: Ma& I as$ the name of &our informant:4 4I am sorr&( Professor( but the matter 'as rather confidential# If I ha)e made a mista$e there is no harm done# I can onl& express m& regret#4 48ot at all# I should 'ish to go further into this matter# It interests me# %a)e &ou an& scrap of 'riting( an& letter or telegram( to bear out &our assertion:4 48o( I ha)e not#4 4I presume that &ou do not go so far as to assert that I summoned &ou:4 4I 'ould rather ans'er no <uestions(4 said %olmes#

48o( I dare sa& not(4 said the professor 'ith asperit&# 4%o'e)er( that particular one can be ans'ered )er& easil& 'ithout &our aid#4 %e 'al$ed across the room to the bell# "ur ondon friend Mr# Bennett( ans'ered the call# 4Come in( Mr# Bennett# These t'o gentlemen ha)e come from ondon under the impression that the& ha)e been summoned# 9ou handle all m& correspondence# %a)e &ou a note of an&thing going to a person named %olmes:4 48o( sir(4 Bennett ans'ered 'ith a flush# 4That is conclusi)e(4 said the professor( glaring angril& at m& companion# 48o'( sir4--he leaned for'ard 'ith his t'o hands upon the table--4 it seems to me that &our position is a )er& <uestionable one#4 %olmes shrugged his shoulders# 4I can onl& repeat that I am sorr& that 'e ha)e made a needless intrusion#4 4%ardl& enough( Mr# %olmes64 the old man cried in a high screaming )oice( 'ith extraordinar& malignanc& upon his face# %e got bet'een us and the door as he spo$e( and he shoo$ his t'o hands at us 'ith furious passion# 49ou can hardl& get out of it so easil& as that#4 %is face 'as con)ulsed( and he grinned and gibbered at us in his senseless rage# I am con)inced that 'e should ha)e had to fight our 'a& out of the room if Mr# Bennett had not inter)ened# 4M& dear Professor(4 he cried( 4consider &our position6 Consider the scandal at the uni)ersit&6 Mr# %olmes is a 'ell$no'n man# 9ou cannot possibl& treat him 'ith such discourtes&#4 Sul$il& our host--if I ma& call him so--cleared the path to the door# ,e 'ere glad to find oursel)es outside the house and in the <uiet of the tree-lined dri)e# %olmes seemed greatl& amused b& the episode# 4"ur learned friend!s ner)es are some'hat out of order(4 said he# 4Perhaps our intrusion 'as a little crude( and &et 'e ha)e gained that personal contact 'hich I desired# But( dear me( ,atson( he is surel& at our heels# The )illain still pursues us#4 There 'ere the sounds of running feet behind( but it 'as( to m& relief( not the formidable professor but his assistant 'ho appeared round the cur)e of the dri)e# %e came panting up to us# 4I am so sorr&( Mr# %olmes# I 'ished to apologize#4 4M& dear sir( there is no need# It is all in the 'a& of professional experience#4 4I ha)e ne)er seen him in a more dangerous mood# But he gro's more sinister# 9ou can understand no' 'h& his daughter and I are alarmed# /nd &et his mind is perfectl& clear#4 4Too clear64 said %olmes# 4That 'as m& miscalculation# It is e)ident that his memor& is much more reliable than I had thought# B& the 'a&( can 'e( before 'e go( see the 'indo' of Miss Presbur&!s room:4 Mr# Bennett pushed his 'a& through some shrubs( and 'e had a )ie' of the side of the house# 4It is there# The second on the left#4 4+ear me( it seems hardl& accessible# /nd &et &ou 'ill obser)e that there is a creeper belo' and a 'ater-pipe abo)e 'hich gi)e some foothold#4

4I could not climb it m&self(4 said Mr# Bennett# 4Ver& li$el&# It 'ould certainl& be a dangerous exploit for an& normal man#4 4There 'as one other thing I 'ish to tell &ou( Mr# %olmes# I ha)e the address of the man in ondon to 'hom the professor 'rites# %e seems to ha)e 'ritten this morning( and I got it from his blotting-paper# It is an ignoble position for a trusted secretar&( but 'hat else can I do:4 %olmes glanced at the paper and put it into his poc$et# 4+ora$--a curious name# Sla)onic( I imagine# ,ell( it is an important lin$ in the chain# ,e return to ondon this afternoon( Mr# Bennett# I see no good purpose to be ser)ed b& our remaining# ,e cannot arrest the professor because he has done no crime( nor can 'e place him under constraint( for he cannot be pro)ed to be mad# 8o action is as &et possible#4 4Then 'hat on earth are 'e to do:4 4/ little patience( Mr# Bennett# Things 'ill soon de)elop# 7nless I am mista$en( next Tuesda& ma& mar$ a crisis# Certainl& 'e shall be in Camford on that da&# Mean'hile( the general position is undeniabl& unpleasant( and if Miss Presbur& can prolong her )isit4 4That is eas&#4 4Then let her sta& till 'e can assure her that all danger is past# Mean'hile( let him ha)e his 'a& and do not cross him# So long as he is in a good humour all is 'ell#4 4There he is64 said Bennett in a startled 'hisper# oo$ing bet'een the branches 'e sa' the tall( erect figure emerge from the hall door and loo$ around him# %e stood leaning for'ard( his hands s'inging straight before him( his head turning from side to side# The secretar& 'ith a last 'a)e slipped off among the trees( and 'e sa' him presentl& re;oin his emplo&er( the t'o entering the house together in 'hat seemed to be animated and e)en excited con)ersation# 4I expect the old gentleman has been putting t'o and t'o together(4 said %olmes as 'e 'al$ed hotel'ard# 4%e struc$ me as ha)ing a particularl& clear and logical brain from the little I sa' of him# 5xplosi)e( no doubt( but then from his point of )ie' he has something to explode about if detecti)es are put on his trac$ and he suspects his o'n household of doing it# I rather fanc& that friend Bennett is in for an uncomfortable time#4 %olmes stopped at a post-office and sent off a telegram on our 'a&# The ans'er reached us in the e)ening( and he tossed it across to me# %a)e )isited the Commercial Road and seen +ora$# Sua)e person( Bohemian( elderl&# Beeps large general store# M5RC5R# 4Mercer is since &our time(4 said %olmes# 4%e is m& general utilit& man 'ho loo$s up routine business# It 'as important to $no' something of the man 'ith 'hom our professor 'as so secretl& corresponding# %is nationalit& connects up 'ith the Prague )isit#4 4Than$ goodness that something connects 'ith something(4 said I# 4/t present 'e seem to be faced b& a long series of inexplicable incidents 'ith no bearing upon each other# *or example( 'hat possible connection can there be bet'een an angr& 'olfhound and a )isit to Bohemia( or either of them 'ith a man cra'ling do'n a passage at night: /s to &our dates( that is the biggest m&stification of all#4 %olmes smiled and rubbed his hands# ,e 'ere( I ma& sa&( seated in the old sitting-room of the ancient hotel( 'ith a bottle of the famous )intage of 'hich %olmes had spo$en on the table bet'een us#

4,ell( no'( let us ta$e the dates first(4 said he( his fingertips together and his manner as if he 'ere addressing a class# 4This excellent &oung man!s diar& sho's that there 'as trouble upon Aul& @d( and from then on'ard it seems to ha)e been at nine-da& inter)als( 'ith( so far as I remember( onl& one exception# Thus the last outbrea$ upon *rida& 'as on September =d( 'hich also falls into the series( as did /ugust @>th( 'hich preceded it# The thing is be&ond coincidence#4 I 'as forced to agree# 4 et us( then( form the pro)isional theor& that e)er& nine da&s the professor ta$es some strong drug 'hich has a passing but highl& poisonous effect# %is naturall& )iolent nature is intensified b& it# %e learned to ta$e this drug 'hile he 'as in Prague( and is no' supplied 'ith it b& a Bohemian intermediar& in ondon# This all hangs together( ,atson64 4But the dog( the face at the 'indo'( the creeping man in the passage:4 4,ell( 'ell( 'e ha)e made a beginning# I should not expect an& fresh de)elopments until next Tuesda&# In the meantime 'e can onl& $eep in touch 'ith friend Bennett and en;o& the amenities of this charming to'n#4 In the morning Mr# Bennett slipped round to bring us the latest report# /s %olmes had imagined( times had not been eas& 'ith him# ,ithout exactl& accusing him of being responsible for our presence( the professor had been )er& rough and rude in his speech( and e)identl& felt some strong grie)ance# This morning he 'as <uite himself again( ho'e)er( and had deli)ered his usual brilliant lecture to a cro'ded class# 4/part from his <ueer fits(4 said Bennett( 4he has actuall& more energ& and )italit& than I can e)er remember( nor 'as his brain e)er clearer# But it!s not he--it!s ne)er the man 'hom 'e ha)e $no'n#4 4I don!t thin$ &ou ha)e an&thing to fear no' for a 'ee$ at least(4 %olmes ans'ered# 4I am a bus& man( and +r# ,atson has his patients to attend to# et us agree that 'e meet here at this hour next Tuesda&( and I shall be surprised if before 'e lea)e &ou again 'e are not able to explain( e)en if 'e cannot perhaps put an end to( &our troubles# Mean'hile( $eep us posted in 'hat occurs#4 I sa' nothing of m& friend for the next fe' da&s( but on the follo'ing Monda& e)ening I had a short note as$ing me to meet him next da& at the train# *rom 'hat he told me as 'e tra)elled up to Camford all 'as 'ell( the peace of the professor!s house had been unruffled( and his o'n conduct perfectl& normal# This also 'as the report 'hich 'as gi)en us b& Mr# Bennett himself 'hen he called upon us that e)ening at our old <uarters in the Che<uers# 4%e heard from his ondon correspondent to-da&# There 'as a letter and there 'as a small pac$et( each 'ith the cross under the stamp 'hich 'arned me not to touch them# There has been nothing else#4 4That ma& pro)e <uite enough(4 said %olmes griml&# 48o'( Mr# Bennett( 'e shall( I thin$( come to some conclusion tonight# If m& deductions are correct 'e should ha)e an opportunit& of bringing matters to a head# In order to do so it is necessar& to hold the professor under obser)ation# I 'ould suggest( therefore( that &ou remain a'a$e and on the loo$out# Should &ou hear him pass &our door( do not interrupt him( but follo' him as discreetl& as &ou can# +r# ,atson and I 'ill not be far off# B& the 'a&( 'here is the $e& of that little box of 'hich &ou spo$e:4 47pon his 'atch-chain#4

4I fanc& our researches must lie in that direction# /t the 'orst the loc$ should not be )er& formidable# %a)e &ou an& other able-bodied man on the premises:4 4There is the coachman( Macphail#4 4,here does he sleep:4 4")er the stables#4 4,e might possibl& 'ant him# ,ell( 'e can do no more until 'e see ho' things de)elop( Good-b&e--but I expect that 'e shall see &ou before morning#4 It 'as nearl& midnight before 'e too$ our station among some bushes immediatel& opposite the hall door of the professor# It 'as a fine night( but chill&( and 'e 'ere glad of our 'arm o)ercoats# There 'as a breeze( and clouds 'ere scudding across the s$&( obscuring from time to time the half-moon# It 'ould ha)e been a dismal )igil 'ere it not for the expectation and excitement 'hich carried us along( and the assurance of m& comrade that 'e had probabl& reached the end of the strange se<uence of e)ents 'hich had engaged our attention# 4If the c&cle of nine da&s holds good then 'e shall ha)e the professor at his 'orst to-night(4 said %olmes# 4The fact that these strange s&mptoms began after his )isit to Prague( that he is in secret correspondence 'ith a Bohemian dealer in ondon( 'ho presumabl& represents someone in Prague( and that he recei)ed a pac$et from him this )er& da&( all point in one direction# ,hat he ta$es and 'h& he ta$es it are still be&ond our $en( but that it emanates in some 'a& from Prague is clear enough# %e ta$es it under definite directions 'hich regulate this ninth-da& s&stem( 'hich 'as the first point 'hich attracted m& attention# But his s&mptoms are most remar$able# +id &ou obser)e his $nuc$les:4 I had to confess that I did not# 4Thic$ and horn& in a 'a& 'hich is <uite ne' in m& experience# /l'a&s loo$ at the hands first( ,atson# Then cuffs( trouser$nees( and boots# Ver& curious $nuc$les 'hich can onl& be explained b& the mode of progression obser)ed b&--4 %olmes paused and suddenl& clapped his hand to his forehead# 4"h( ,atson( ,atson( 'hat a fool I ha)e been6 It seems incredible( and &et it must be true# /ll points in one direction# %o' could I miss seeing the connection of ideas: Those $nuc$les ho' could I ha)e passed those $nuc$les: /nd the dog6 /nd the i)&6 It!s surel& time that I disappeared into that little farm of m& dreams# oo$ out( ,atson6 %ere he is6 ,e shall ha)e the chance of seeing for oursel)es#4 The hall door had slo'l& opened( and against the lamplit bac$ground 'e sa' the tall figure of Professor Presbur&# %e 'as clad in his dressing go'n# /s he stood outlined in the door'a& he 'as erect but leaning for'ard 'ith dangling arms( as 'hen 'e sa' him last# 8o' he stepped for'ard into the dri)e( and an extraordinar& change came o)er him# %e san$ do'n into a crouching position and mo)ed along upon his hands and feet( s$ipping e)er& no' and then as if he 'ere o)erflo'ing 'ith energ& and )italit&# %e mo)ed along the face of the house and then round the corner# /s he disappeared Bennett slipped through the hall door and softl& follo'ed him# 4Come( ,atson( come64 cried %olmes( and 'e stole as softl& as 'e could through the bushes until 'e had gained a spot 'hence 'e could see the other side of the house( 'hich 'as bathed in the light of the half-moon# The professor 'as clearl& )isible crouching at the foot of the i)&-co)ered 'all# /s 'e 'atched him he suddenl& began 'ith incredible agilit& to ascend it# *rom branch to branch he sprang( sure of foot and firm of grasp( climbing apparentl& in

mere ;o& at his o'n po'ers( 'ith no definite ob;ect in )ie'# ,ith his dressing-go'n flapping on each side of him( he loo$ed li$e some huge bat glued against the side of his o'n house( a great s<uare dar$ patch upon the moonlit 'all# Presentl& he tired of this amusement( and( dropping from branch to branch( he s<uatted do'n into the old attitude and mo)ed to'ards the stables( creeping along in the same strange 'a& as before# The 'olfhound 'as out no'( bar$ing furiousl&( and more excited than e)er 'hen it actuall& caught sight of its master# It 'as straining on its chain and <ui)ering 'ith eagerness and rage# The professor s<uatted do'n )er& deliberatel& ;ust out of reach of the hound and began to pro)o$e it in e)er& possible 'a&# %e too$ handfuls of pebbles from the dri)e and thre' them in the dog!s face( prodded him 'ith a stic$ 'hich he had pic$ed up( flic$ed his hands about onl& a fe' inches from the gaping mouth( and endea)oured in e)er& 'a& to increase the animal!s fur&( 'hich 'as alread& be&ond all control# In all our ad)entures I do not $no' that I ha)e e)er seen a more strange sight than this impassi)e and still dignified figure crouching frog-li$e upon the ground and goading to a 'ilder exhibition of passion the maddened hound( 'hich ramped and raged in front of him( b& all manner of ingenious and calculated cruelt&# /nd then in a moment it happened6 It 'as not the chain that bro$e( but it 'as the collar that slipped( for it had been made for a thic$-nec$ed 8e'foundland# ,e heard the rattle of falling metal( and the next instant dog and man 'ere rolling on the ground together( the one roaring in rage( the other screaming in a strange shrill falsetto of terror# It 'as a )er& narro' thing for the professor!s life# The sa)age creature had him fairl& b& the throat( its fangs had bitten deep( and he 'as senseless before 'e could reach them and drag the t'o apart# It might ha)e been a dangerous tas$ for us( but Bennett!s )oice and presence brought the great 'olflhound instantl& to reason# The uproar had brought the sleep& and astonished coachman from his room abo)e the stables# 4I!m not surprised(4 said he( sha$ing his head# 4I!)e seen him at it before# I $ne' the dog 'ould get him sooner or later#4 The hound 'as secured( and together 'e carried the professor up to his room( 'here Bennett( 'ho had a medical degree( helped me to dress his torn throat# The sharp teeth had passed dangerousl& near the carotid arter&( and the haemorrhage 'as serious# In half an hour the danger 'as past( I had gi)en the patient an in;ection of morphia( and he had sun$ into deep sleep# Then( and onl& then( 'ere 'e able to loo$ at each other and to ta$e stoc$ of the situation# 4I thin$ a first-class surgeon should see him(4 said I# 4*or God!s sa$e( no64 cried Bennett# 4/t present the scandal is confined to our o'n household# It is safe 'ith us# If it gets be&ond these 'alls it 'ill ne)er stop# Consider his position at the uni)ersit&( his 5uropean reputation( the feelings of his daughter#4 4Fuite so(4 said %olmes# 4I thin$ it ma& be <uite possible to $eep the matter to oursel)es( and also to pre)ent its recurrence no' that 'e ha)e a free hand# The $e& from the 'atch-chain( Mr# Bennett# Macphail 'ill guard the patient and let us $no' if there is an& change# et us see 'hat 'e can find in the professor!s m&sterious box#4 There 'as not much( but there 'as enough--an empt& phial( another nearl& full( a h&podermic s&ringe( se)eral letters in a crabbed( foreign hand# The mar$s on the en)elopes sho'ed that the& 'ere those 'hich had disturbed the routine of the secretar&( and each 'as dated from the Commercial Road and signed 4/# +ora$#4 The& 'ere mere in)oices to sa& that a fresh bottle 'as being sent to Professor Presbur&( or receipt to ac$no'ledge mone&# There 'as one other en)elope( ho'e)er( in a more educated hand and bearing the /ustrian stamp 'ith

the postmar$ of Prague# 4%ere 'e ha)e our material64 cried %olmes as he tore out the enclosure# %"8"7R5+ C" 5/G75 Git ranH? Since &our esteemed )isit I ha)e thought much of &our case( and though in &our circumstances there are some special reasons for the treatment( I 'ould none the less en;oin caution( as m& results ha)e sho'n that it is not 'ithout danger of a $ind# It is possible that the serum of anthropoid 'ould ha)e been better# I ha)e( as I explained to &ou( used blac$-faced langur because a specimen 'as accessible# angur is( of course( a cra'ler and climber( 'hile anthropoid 'al$s erect and is in all 'a&s nearer# I beg &ou to ta$e e)er& possible precaution that there be no premature re)elation of the process# I ha)e one other client in 5ngland( and +ora$ is m& agent for both# ,ee$l& reports 'ill oblige# 9ours %# ",58ST5I8# 'ith high esteem(

o'enstein6 The name brought bac$ to me the memor& of some snippet from a ne'spaper 'hich spo$e of an obscure scientist 'ho 'as stri)ing in some un$no'n 'a& for the secret of re;u)enescence and the elixir of life# o'enstein of Prague6 o'enstein 'ith the 'ondrous strength-gi)ing serum( tabooed b& the profession because he refused to re)eal its source# In a fe' 'ords I said 'hat I remembered# Bennett had ta$en a manual of zoolog& from the shel)es# 4! angur(!4 he read( 4!the great blac$-faced mon$e& of the %imala&an slopes( biggest and most human of climbing mon$e&s#! Man& details are added# ,ell( than$s to &ou( Mr# %olmes( it is )er& clear that 'e ha)e traced the e)il to its source#4 4The real source(4 said %olmes( 4lies( of course( in that untimel& lo)e affair 'hich ga)e our impetuous professor the idea that he could onl& gain his 'ish b& turning himself into a &ounger man# ,hen one tries to rise abo)e 8ature one is liable to fall belo' it# The highest t&pe of man ma& re)ert to the animal if he lea)es the straight road of destin&#4 %e sat musing for a little 'ith the phial in his hand( loo$ing at the clear li<uid 'ithin# 4,hen I ha)e 'ritten to this man and told him that I hold him criminall& responsible for the poisons 'hich he circulates( 'e 'ill ha)e no more trouble# But it ma& recur# "thers ma& find a better 'a&# There is danger there--a )er& real danger to humanit&# Consider( ,atson( that the material( the sensual( the 'orldl& 'ould all prolong their 'orthless li)es# The spiritual 'ould not a)oid the call to something higher# It 'ould be the sur)i)al of the least fit# ,hat sort of cesspool ma& not our poor 'orld become:4 Suddenl& the dreamer disappeared( and %olmes( the man of action( sprang from his chair# 4I thin$ there is nothing more to be said( Mr# Bennett# The )arious incidents 'ill no' fit themsel)es easil& into the general scheme# The dog( of course( 'as a'are of the change far more <uic$l& than &ou# %is smell 'ould insure that# It 'as the mon$e&( not the professor( 'hom Ro& attac$ed( ;ust as it 'as the mon$e& 'ho teased Ro&# Climbing 'as a ;o& to the creature( and it 'as a mere chance( I ta$e it( that the pastime brought him to the &oung lad&!s 'indo'# There is an earl& train to to'n( ,atson( but I thin$ 'e shall ;ust ha)e time for a cup of tea at the Che<uers before 'e catch it#4

ADVENTURE V! THE ADVENTURE OF THE SUSSE' VA"P RE

%olmes had read carefull& a note 'hich the last post had brought him# Then( 'ith the dr& chuc$le 'hich 'as his nearest approach to a laugh( he tossed it o)er to me#

4*or a mixture of the modern and the mediae)al( of the practical and of the 'ildl& fanciful( I thin$ this is surel& the limit(4 said he# 4,hat do &ou ma$e of it( ,atson:4 I read as follo's? D>( 8o)# 03th# Re Vampires SIR? "ur client( Mr# Robert *erguson( of *erguson and Muirhead( tea bro$ers( of Mincing ane( has made some in<uir& from us in a communication of e)en date concerning )ampires# /s our firm specializes entirel& upon the assessment of machiner& the matter hardl& comes 'ithin our pur)ie'( and 'e ha)e therefore recommended Mr# *erguson to call upon &ou and la& the matter before &ou# ,e ha)e not forgotten &our successful action in the case of Matilda Briggs# ,e are( sir( *aithfull& &ours( M"RRIS"8( M"RRIS"8( /8+ +"++# per 5# A# C# 4Matilda Briggs 'as not the name of a &oung 'oman( ,atson(4 said %olmes in a reminiscent )oice# 4It 'as a ship 'hich is associated 'ith the giant rat of Sumatra( a stor& for 'hich the 'orld is not &et prepared# But 'hat do 'e $no' about )ampires: +oes it come 'ithin our pur)ie' either: /n&thing is better than stagnation( but reall& 'e seem to ha)e been s'itched on to a Grimms! fair& tale# Ma$e a long arm( ,atson( and see 'hat V has to sa&#4 I leaned bac$ and too$ do'n the great index )olume to 'hich he referred# %olmes balanced it on his $nee( and his e&es mo)ed slo'l& and lo)ingl& o)er the record of old cases( mixed 'ith the accumulated information of a lifetime# 4Vo&age of the Gloria Scott(4 he read# 4That 'as a bad business# I ha)e some recollection that &ou made a record of it( ,atson( though I 'as unable to congratulate &ou upon the result# Victor &nch( the forger# Venomous lizard or gila# Remar$able case( that6 Vittoria( the circus belle# Vanderbilt and the 9eggman# Vipers# Vigor( the %ammersmith 'onder# %ullo6 %ullo6 Good old index# 9ou can!t beat it# isten to this( ,atson# Vampirism in %ungar&# /nd again( Vampires in Trans&l)ania#4 %e turned o)er the pages 'ith eagerness( but after a short intent perusal he thre' do'n the great boo$ 'ith a snarl of disappointment# 4Rubbish( ,atson( rubbish6 ,hat ha)e 'e to do 'ith 'al$ing corpses 'ho can onl& be held in their gra)e b& sta$es dri)en through their hearts: It!s pure lunac&#4 4But surel&(4 said I( 4the )ampire 'as not necessaril& a dead man: / li)ing person might ha)e the habit# I ha)e read( for example( of the old suc$ing the blood of the &oung in order to retain their &outh#4 49ou are right( ,atson# It mentions the legend in one of these references# But are 'e to gi)e serious attention to such things: This agenc& stands flat-footed upon the ground( and there it must remain# The 'orld is big enough for us# 8o ghosts need appl&# I fear that 'e cannot ta$e Mr# Robert *erguson )er& seriousl&# Possibl& this note ma& be from him and ma& thro' some light upon 'hat is 'orr&ing him#4 " + A5,R9(

%e too$ up a second letter 'hich had lain unnoticed upon the table 'hile he had been absorbed 'ith the first# This he began to read 'ith a smile of amusement upon his face 'hich graduall& faded a'a& into an expression of intense interest and concentration# ,hen he had finished he sat for some little time lost in thought 'ith the letter dangling from his fingers# *inall&( 'ith a start( he aroused himself from his re)erie# 4Cheeseman!s( amberle&# ,here is amberle&( ,atson:4 4It is in Sussex( South of %orsham#4 48ot )er& far( eh: /nd Cheeseman!s:4 4I $no' that countr&( %olmes# It is full of old houses 'hich are named after the men 'ho built them centuries ago# 9ou get "dle&!s and %ar)e&!s and Carriton!s--the fol$ are forgotten but their names li)e in their houses#4 4Precisel&(4 said %olmes coldl&# It 'as one of the peculiarities of his proud( self-contained nature that though he doc$eted an& fresh information )er& <uietl& and accuratel& in his brain( he seldom made an& ac$no'ledgment to the gi)er# 4I rather fanc& 'e shall $no' a good deal more about Cheeseman!s( amberle&( before 'e are through# The letter is( as I had hoped( from Robert *erguson# B& the 'a&( he claims ac<uaintance 'ith &ou#4 4,ith me64 49ou had better read it#4 %e handed the letter across# It 'as headed 'ith the address <uoted# +5/R MR %" M5S Git saidH? I ha)e been recommended to &ou b& m& la'&ers( but indeed the matter is so extraordinaril& delicate that it is most difficult to discuss# It concerns a friend for 'hom I am acting# This gentleman married some fi)e &ears ago a Peru)ian lad&( the daughter of a Peru)ian merchant( 'hom he had met in connection 'ith the importation of nitrates# The lad& 'as )er& beautiful( but the fact of her foreign birth and of her alien religion al'a&s caused a separation of interests and of feelings bet'een husband and 'ife( so that after a time his lo)e ma& ha)e cooled to'ards her and he ma& ha)e come to regard their union as a mista$e# %e felt there 'ere sides of her character 'hich he could ne)er explore or understand# This 'as the more painful as she 'as as lo)ing a 'ife as a man could ha)e--to all appearance absolutel& de)oted# 8o' for the point 'hich I 'ill ma$e more plain 'hen 'e meet# Indeed( this note is merel& to gi)e &ou a general idea of the situation and to ascertain 'hether &ou 'ould care to interest &ourself in the matter# The lad& began to sho' some curious traits <uite alien to her ordinaril& s'eet and gentle disposition# The gentleman had been married t'ice and he had one son b& the first 'ife# This bo& 'as no' fifteen( a )er& charming and affectionate &outh( though unhappil& in;ured through an accident in childhood# T'ice the 'ife 'as caught in the act of assaulting this poor lad in the most unpro)o$ed 'a&# "nce she struc$ him 'ith a stic$ and left a great 'eal on his arm# This 'as a small matter( ho'e)er( compared 'ith her conduct to her o'n child( a dear bo& ;ust under one &ear of age# "n one occasion about a month ago this child had been left b& its nurse for a fe' minutes# / loud cr& from the bab&( as of pain( called the nurse bac$# /s she ran into the room she sa' her emplo&er( the lad&( leaning o)er the bab& and apparentl& biting his nec$# There 'as a small 'ound in the nec$ from 'hich a stream of blood had escaped# The nurse 'as so horrified that she 'ished to call the husband( but the lad& implored her not to do so and actuall& ga)e her fi)e pounds as a price for her

silence# 8o explanation 'as e)er gi)en( and for the moment the matter 'as passed o)er# It left( ho'e)er( a terrible impression upon the nurse!s mind( and from that time she began to 'atch her mistress closel& and to $eep a closer guard upon the bab&( 'hom she tenderl& lo)ed# It seemed to her that e)en as she 'atched the mother( so the mother 'atched her( and that e)er& time she 'as compelled to lea)e the bab& alone the mother 'as 'aiting to get at it# +a& and night the nurse co)ered the child( and da& and night the silent( 'atchful mother seemed to be l&ing in 'ait as a 'olf 'aits for a lamb# It must read most incredible to &ou( and &et I beg &ou to ta$e it seriousl&( for a child!s life and a man!s sanit& ma& depend upon it# /t last there came one dreadful da& 'hen the facts could no longer be concealed from the husband# The nurse!s ner)e had gi)en 'a&. she could stand the strain no longer( and she made a clean breast of it all to the man# To him it seemed as 'ild a tale as it ma& no' seem to &ou# %e $ne' his 'ife to be a lo)ing 'ife( and( sa)e for the assaults upon her stepson( a lo)ing mother# ,h&( then( should she 'ound her o'n dear little bab&: %e told the nurse that she 'as dreaming( that her suspicions 'ere those of a lunatic( and that such libels upon her mistress 'ere not to be tolerated# ,hile the& 'ere tal$ing a sudden cr& of pain 'as heard# 8urse and master rushed together to the nurser&# Imagine his feelings( Mr# %olmes( as he sa' his 'ife rise from a $neeling position beside the cot and sa' blood upon the child!s exposed nec$ and upon the sheet# ,ith a cr& of horror( he turned his 'ife!s face to the light and sa' blood all round her lips# It 'as she--she be&ond all <uestion--'ho had drun$ the poor bab&!s blood# So the matter stands# She is no' confined to her room# There has been no explanation# The husband is half demented# %e $no's( and I $no'( little of )ampirism be&ond the name# ,e had thought it 'as some 'ild tale of foreign parts# /nd &et here in the )er& heart of the 5nglish Sussex--'ell( all this can be discussed 'ith &ou in the morning# ,ill &ou see me: ,ill &ou use &our great po'ers in aiding a distracted man: If so( $indl& 'ire to *erguson( Cheeseman!s( amberle&( and I 'ill be at &our rooms b& ten o!cloc$# 9ours faithfull&( R"B5RT *5RG7S"8# P# S# I belie)e &our friend ,atson pla&ed Rugb& for Blac$heath 'hen I 'as three-<uarter for Richmond# It is the onl& personal introduction 'hich I can gi)e# 4"f course I remembered him(4 said I as I laid do'n the letter# 4Big Bob *erguson( the finest three-<uarter Richmond e)er had# %e 'as al'a&s a good-natured chap# It!s li$e him to be so concerned o)er a friend!s case#4 %olmes loo$ed at me thoughtfull& and shoo$ his head# 4I ne)er get &our limits( ,atson(4 said he# 4There are unexplored possibilities about &ou# Ta$e a 'ire do'n( li$e a good fello'# !,ill examine &our case 'ith pleasure#!4 49our case64 4,e must not let him thin$ that this agenc& is a home for the 'ea$-minded# "f course it is his case# Send him that 'ire and let the matter rest till morning#4 Promptl& at ten o!cloc$ next morning *erguson strode into our room# I had remembered him as a long( slab-sided man 'ith loose limbs and a fine turn of speed 'hich had carried him round man& an opposing bac$# There is surel& nothing in life more painful than to meet the 'rec$ of a fine athlete 'hom one has $no'n in his prime# %is great frame had fallen in( his flaxen hair 'as scant&( and his shoulders 'ere bo'ed# I fear that I roused corresponding emotions in him#

4%ullo( ,atson(4 said he( and his )oice 'as still deep and heart&# 49ou don!t loo$ <uite the man &ou did 'hen I thre' &ou o)er the ropes into the cro'd at the "ld +eer Par$# I expect I ha)e changed a bit also# But it!s this last da& or t'o that has aged me# I see b& &our telegram( Mr# %olmes( that it is no use m& pretending to be an&one!s deput&#4# 4It is simpler to deal direct(4 said %olmes# 4"f course it is# But &ou can imagine ho' difficult it is 'hen &ou are spea$ing of the one 'oman 'hom &ou are bound to protect and help# ,hat can I do: %o' am I to go to the police 'ith such a stor&: /nd &et the $iddies ha)e got to be protected# Is it madness( Mr# %olmes: Is it something in the blood: %a)e &ou an& similar case in &our experience: *or God!s sa$e( gi)e me some ad)ice( for I am at m& 'it!s end#4 4Ver& naturall&( Mr# *erguson# 8o' sit here and pull &ourself together and gi)e me a fe' clear ans'ers# I can assure &ou that I am )er& far from being at m& 'it!s end( and that I am confident 'e shall find some solution# *irst of all( tell me 'hat steps &ou ha)e ta$en# Is &our 'ife still near the children:4 4,e had a dreadful scene# She is a most lo)ing 'oman( Mr# %olmes# If e)er a 'oman lo)ed a man 'ith all her heart and soul( she lo)es me# She 'as cut to the heart that I should ha)e disco)ered this horrible( this incredible( secret# She 'ould not e)en spea$# She ga)e no ans'er to m& reproaches( sa)e to gaze at me 'ith a sort of 'ild( despairing loo$ in her e&es# Then she rushed to her room and loc$ed herself in# Since then she has refused to see me# She has a maid 'ho 'as 'ith her before her marriage( +olores b& name--a friend rather than a ser)ant# She ta$es her food to her#4 4Then the child is in no immediate danger:4 4Mrs# Mason( the nurse( has s'orn that she 'ill not lea)e it night or da&# I can absolutel& trust her# I am more uneas& about poor little Aac$( for( as I told &ou in m& note( he has t'ice been assaulted b& her#4 4But ne)er 'ounded:4 48o( she struc$ him sa)agel&# It is the more terrible as he is a poor little inoffensi)e cripple#4 *erguson!s gaunt features softened as he spo$e of his bo&# 49ou 'ould thin$ that the dear lad!s condition 'ould soften an&one!s heart# / fall in childhood and a t'isted spine( Mr# %olmes# But the dearest( most lo)ing heart 'ithin#4 %olmes had pic$ed up the letter of &esterda& and 'as reading it o)er# 4,hat other inmates are there in &our house( Mr# *erguson:4 4T'o ser)ants 'ho ha)e not been long 'ith us# "ne stablehand( Michael( 'ho sleeps in the house# M& 'ife( m&self( m& bo& Aac$( bab&( +olores( and Mrs# Mason# That is all#4 4I gather that &ou did not $no' &our 'ife 'ell at the time of &our marriage:4 4I had onl& $no'n her a fe' 'ee$s#4 4%o' long had this maid +olores been 'ith her:4 4Some &ears#4 4Then &our 'ife!s character 'ould reall& be better $no'n b& +olores than b& &ou:4 49es( &ou ma& sa& so#4 %olmes made a note#

4I fanc&(4 said he( 4that I ma& be of more use at amberle& than here# It is eminentl& a case for personal in)estigation# If the lad& remains in her room( our presence could not anno& or incon)enience her# "f course( 'e 'ould sta& at the inn#4 *erguson ga)e a gesture of relief# 4It is 'hat I hoped( Mr# %olmes# There is an excellent train at t'o from Victoria if &ou could come#4 4"f course 'e could come# There is a lull at present# I can gi)e &ou m& undi)ided energies# ,atson( of course( comes 'ith us# But there are one or t'o points upon 'hich I 'ish to be )er& sure before I start# This unhapp& lad&( as I understand it( has appeared to assault both the children( her o'n bab& and &our little son:4 4That is so#4 4But the assaults ta$e different forms( do the& not: She has beaten &our son#4 4"nce 'ith a stic$ and once )er& sa)agel& 'ith her hands#4 4+id she gi)e no explanation 'h& she struc$ him:4 48one sa)e that she hated him# /gain and again she said so#4 4,ell( that is not un$no'n among stepmothers# / posthumous ;ealous&( 'e 'ill sa&# Is the lad& ;ealous b& nature:4 49es( she is )er& ;ealous--;ealous 'ith all the strength of her fier& tropical lo)e#4 4But the bo&--he is fifteen( I understand( and probabl& )er& de)eloped in mind( since his bod& has been circumscribed in action# +id he gi)e &ou no explanation of these assaults:4 48o( he declared there 'as no reason#4 4,ere the& good friends at other times:4 48o( there 'as ne)er an& lo)e bet'een them#4 49et &ou sa& he is affectionate:4 48e)er in the 'orld could there be so de)oted a son# M& life is his life# %e is absorbed in 'hat I sa& or do#4 "nce again %olmes made a note# *or some time he sat lost in thought# 48o doubt &ou and the bo& 'ere great comrades before this second marriage# 9ou 'ere thro'n )er& close together( 'ere &ou not:4 4Ver& much so#4 4/nd the bo&( ha)ing so affectionate a nature( 'as de)oted( no doubt( to the memor& of his mother:4 4Most de)oted#4 4%e 'ould certainl& seem to be a most interesting lad# There is one other point about these assaults# ,ere the strange attac$s upon the bab& and the assaults upon &o' son at the same period:4 4In the first case it 'as so# It 'as as if some frenz& had seized her( and she had )ented her rage upon both# In the second case it 'as onl& Aac$ 'ho suffered# Mrs# Mason had no complaint to ma$e about the bab&#4

4That certainl& complicates matters#4 4I don!t <uite follo' &ou( Mr# %olmes#4 4Possibl& not# "ne forms pro)isional theories and 'aits for time or fuller $no'ledge to explode them# / bad habit( Mr# *erguson( but human nature is 'ea$# I fear that &our old friend here has gi)en an exaggerated )ie' of m& scientific methods# %o'e)er( I 'ill onl& sa& at the present stage that &our problem does not appear to me to be insoluble( and that &ou ma& expect to find us at Victoria at t'o o!cloc$#4 It 'as e)ening of a dull( fogg& 8o)ember da& 'hen( ha)ing left our bags at the Che<uers( amberle&( 'e dro)e through the Sussex cla& of a long 'inding lane and finall& reached the isolated and ancient farmhouse in 'hich *erguson d'elt# It 'as a large( straggling building( )er& old in the centre( )er& ne' at the 'ings 'ith to'ering Tudor chimne&s and a lichenspotted( high-pitched roof of %orsham slabs# The doorsteps 'ere 'orn into cur)es( and the ancient tiles 'hich lined the porch 'ere mar$ed 'ith the rebus of a cheese and a man after the original builder# ,ithin( the ceilings 'ere corrugated 'ith hea)& oa$en beams( and the une)en floors sagged into sharp cur)es# /n odour of age and deca& per)aded the 'hole crumbling building# There 'as one )er& large central room into 'hich *erguson led us# %ere( in a huge oldfashioned fireplace 'ith an iron screen behind it dated 0>2C( there blazed and spluttered a splendid log fire# The room( as I gazed round( 'as a most singular mixture of dates and of places# The halfpanelled 'alls ma& 'ell ha)e belonged to the original &eoman farmer of the se)enteenth centur&# The& 'ere ornamented( ho'e)er( on the lo'er part b& a line of 'ell-chosen modern 'ater-colours. 'hile abo)e( 'here &ello' plaster too$ the place of oa$( there 'as hung a fine collection of South /merican utensils and 'eapons( 'hich had been brought( no doubt( b& the Peru)ian lad& upstairs# %olmes rose( 'ith that <uic$ curiosit& 'hich sprang from his eager mind( and examined them 'ith some care# %e returned 'ith his e&es full of thought# 4%ullo64 he cried# 4%ullo64 / spaniel had lain in a bas$et in the corner# It came slo'l& for'ard to'ards its master( 'al$ing 'ith difficult&# Its hind legs mo)ed irregularl& and its tail 'as on the ground# It lic$ed *erguson!s hand# 4,hat is it( Mr# %olmes:4 4The dog# ,hat!s the matter 'ith it:4 4That!s 'hat puzzled the )et# / sort of paral&sis# Spinal meningitis( he thought# But it is passing# %e!ll be all right soon--'on!t &ou( Carlo:4 / shi)er of assent passed through the drooping tail# The dog!s mournful e&es passed from one of us to the other# %e $ne' that 'e 'ere discussing his case# 4+id it come on suddenl&:4 4In a single night#4 4%o' long ago:4 4It ma& ha)e been four months ago#4 4Ver& remar$able# Ver& suggesti)e#4

4,hat do &ou see in it( Mr# %olmes:4 4/ confirmation of 'hat I had alread& thought#4 4*or God!s sa$e( 'hat do &ou thin$( Mr# %olmes: It ma& be a mere intellectual puzzle to &ou( but it is life and death to me6 M& 'ife a 'ould-be murderer--m& child in constant danger6 +on!t pla& 'ith me( Mr# %olmes# It is too terribl& serious#4 The big Rugb& three-<uarter 'as trembling all o)er# %olmes put his hand soothingl& upon his arm# 4I fear that there is pain for &ou( Mr# *erguson( 'hate)er the solution ma& be(4 said he# 4I 'ould spare &ou all I can# I cannot sa& more for the instant( but before I lea)e this house I hope I ma& ha)e something definite#4 4Please God &ou ma&6 If &ou 'ill excuse me( gentlemen( I 'ill go up to m& 'ife!s room and see if there has been an& change#4 %e 'as a'a& some minutes( during 'hich %olmes resumed his examination of the curiosities upon the 'all# ,hen our host returned it 'as clear from his do'ncast face that he had made no progress# %e brought 'ith him a tall( slim( bro'n-faced girl# 4The tea is read&( +olores(4 said *erguson# 4See that &our mistress has e)er&thing she can 'ish#4 4She )erra ill(4 cried the girl( loo$ing 'ith indignant e&es at her master# 4She no as$ for food# She )erra ill# She need doctor# I frightened sta& alone 'ith her 'ithout doctor#4 *erguson loo$ed at me 'ith a <uestion in his e&es# 4I should be so glad if I could be of use#4 4,ould &our mistress see +r# ,atson:4 4I ta$e him# I no as$ lea)e# She needs doctor#4 4Then I!ll come 'ith &ou at once#4 I follo'ed the girl( 'ho 'as <ui)ering 'ith strong emotion( up the staircase and do'n an ancient corridor# /t the end 'as an iron-clamped and massi)e door# It struc$ me as I loo$ed at it that if *erguson tried to force his 'a& to his 'ife he 'ould find it no eas& matter# The girl dre' a $e& from her poc$et( and the hea)& oa$en plan$s crea$ed upon their old hinges# I passed in and she s'iftl& follo'ed( fastening the door behind her# "n the bed a 'oman 'as l&ing 'ho 'as clearl& in a high fe)er# She 'as onl& half conscious( but as I entered she raised a pair of frightened but beautiful e&es and glared at me in apprehension# Seeing a stranger( she appeared to be relie)ed and san$ bac$ 'ith a sigh upon the pillo'# I stepped up to her 'ith a fe' reassuring 'ords( and she la& still 'hile I too$ her pulse and temperature# Both 'ere high( and &et m& impression 'as that the condition 'as rather that of mental and ner)ous excitement than of an& actual seizure# 4She lie li$e that one da&( t'o da&# I !fraid she die(4 said the girl# The 'oman turned her flushed and handsome face to'ards me# 4,here is m& husband:4 4%e is belo' and 'ould 'ish to see &ou#4

4I 'ill not see him# I 'ill not see him#4 Then she seemed to 'ander off into delirium# 4/ fiend6 / fiend6 "h( 'hat shall I do 'ith this de)il:4 4Can I help &ou in an& 'a&:4 48o# 8o one can help# It is finished# /ll is destro&ed# +o 'hat I 'ill( all is destro&ed#4 The 'oman must ha)e some strange delusion# I could not see honest Bob *erguson in the character of fiend or de)il# 4Madame(4 I said( 4&our husband lo)es &ou dearl&# %e is deepl& grie)ed at this happening#4 /gain she turned on me those glorious e&es# 4%e lo)es me# 9es# But do I not lo)e him: +o I not lo)e him e)en to sacrifice m&self rather than brea$ his dear heart: That is ho' I lo)e him# /nd &et he could thin$ of me--he could spea$ of me so#4 4%e is full of grief( but he cannot understand#4 48o( he cannot understand# But he should trust#4 4,ill &ou not see him:4 I suggested# 48o( no( I cannot forget those terrible 'ords nor the loo$ upon his face# I 'ill not see him# Go no'# 9ou can do nothing for me# Tell him onl& one thing# I 'ant m& child# I ha)e a right to m& child# That is the onl& message I can send him#4 She turned her face to the 'all and 'ould sa& no more# I returned to the room do'nstairs( 'here *erguson and %olmes still sat b& the fire# *erguson listened moodil& to m& account of the inter)ie'# 4%o' can I send her the child:4 he said# 4%o' do I $no' 'hat strange impulse might come upon her: %o' can I e)er forget ho' she rose from beside it 'ith its blood upon her lips:4 %e shuddered at the recollection# 4The child is safe 'ith Mrs# Mason( and there he must remain#4 / smart maid( the onl& modern thing 'hich 'e had seen in the house( had brought in some tea# /s she 'as ser)ing it the door opened and a &outh entered the room# %e 'as a remar$able lad( pale-faced and fair-haired( 'ith excitable light blue e&es 'hich blazed into a sudden flame of emotion and ;o& as the& rested upon his father# %e rushed for'ard and thre' his arms round his nec$ 'ith the abandon of a lo)ing girl# 4"h( dadd&(4 he cried( 4I did not $no' that &ou 'ere due &et# I should ha)e been here to meet &ou# "h( I am so glad to see &ou64 *erguson gentl& disengaged himself from the embrace 'ith some little sho' of embarrassment# 4+ear old chap(4 said he( patting the flaxen head 'ith a )er& tender hand# 4I came earl& because m& friends( Mr# %olmes and +r# ,atson( ha)e been persuaded to come do'n and spend an e)ening 'ith us#4 4Is that Mr# %olmes( the detecti)e:4 49es#4 The &outh loo$ed at us 'ith a )er& penetrating and( as it seemed to me( unfriendl& gaze# 4,hat about &our other child( Mr# *erguson:4 as$ed %olmes# 4Might 'e ma$e the ac<uaintance of the bab&:4

4/s$ Mrs# Mason to bring bab& do'n(4 said *erguson# The bo& 'ent off 'ith a curious( shambling gait 'hich told m& surgical e&es that he 'as suffering from a 'ea$ spine# Presentl& he returned( and behind him came a tall( gaunt 'oman bearing in her arms a )er& beautiful child( dar$-e&ed( golden-haired( a 'onderful mixture of the Saxon and the atin# *erguson 'as e)identl& de)oted to it( for he too$ it into his arms and fondled it most tenderl&# 4*anc& an&one ha)ing the heart to hurt him(4 he muttered as he glanced do'n at the small( angr& red puc$er upon the cherub throat# It 'as at this moment that I chanced to glance at %olmes and sa' a most singular intentness in his expression# %is face 'as as set as if it had been car)ed out of old i)or&( and his e&es( 'hich had glanced for a moment at father and child( 'ere no' fixed 'ith eager curiosit& upon something at the other side of the room# *ollo'ing his gaze I could onl& guess that he 'as loo$ing out through the 'indo' at the melanchol&( dripping garden# It is true that a shutter had half closed outside and obstructed the )ie'( but none the less it 'as certainl& at the 'indo' that %olmes 'as fixing his concentrated attention# Then he smiled( and his e&es came bac$ to the bab&# "n its chubb& nec$ there 'as this small puc$ered mar$# ,ithout spea$ing( %olmes examined it 'ith care# *inall& he shoo$ one of the dimpled fists 'hich 'a)ed in front of him# 4Good-b&e( little man# 9ou ha)e made a strange start in life# 8urse( I should 'ish to ha)e a 'ord 'ith &ou in pri)ate#4 %e too$ her aside and spo$e earnestl& for a fe' minutes# I onl& heard the last 'ords( 'hich 'ere? 49our anxiet& 'ill soon( I hope( be set at rest#4 The 'oman( 'ho seemed to be a sour( silent $ind of creature( 'ithdre' 'ith the child# 4,hat is Mrs# Mason li$e:4 as$ed %olmes# 48ot )er& prepossessing externall&( as &ou can see( but a heart of gold( and de)oted to the child#4 4+o &ou li$e her( Aac$:4 %olmes turned suddenl& upon the bo&# %is expressi)e mobile face shado'ed o)er( and he shoo$ his head# 4Aac$& has )er& strong li$es and disli$es(4 said *erguson( putting his arm round the bo&# 4 uc$il& I am one of his li$es#4 The bo& cooed and nestled his head upon his father!s breast# *erguson gentl& disengaged him# 4Run a'a&( little Aac$&(4 said he( and he 'atched his son 'ith lo)ing e&es until he disappeared# 48o'( Mr# %olmes(4 he continued 'hen the bo& 'as gone( 4I reall& feel that I ha)e brought &ou on a fool!s errand( for 'hat can &ou possibl& do sa)e gi)e me &our s&mpath&: It must be an exceedingl& delicate and complex affair from &our point of )ie'#4 4It is certainl& delicate(4 said m& friend 'ith an amused smile( 4but I ha)e not been struc$ up to no' 'ith its complexit&# It has been a case for intellectual deduction( but 'hen this original intellectual deduction is confirmed point b& point b& <uite a number of independent incidents( then the sub;ecti)e becomes ob;ecti)e and 'e can sa& confidentl& that 'e ha)e reached our goal# I had( in fact( reached it before 'e left Ba$er Street( and the rest has merel& been obser)ation and confirmation#4 *erguson put his big hand to his furro'ed forehead#

4*or hea)en!s sa$e( %olmes(4 he said hoarsel&. 4if &ou can see the truth in this matter( do not $eep me in suspense# %o' do I stand: ,hat shall I do: I care nothing as to ho' &ou ha)e found &our facts so long as &ou ha)e reall& got them#4 4Certainl& I o'e &ou an explanation( and &ou shall ha)e it# But &ou 'ill permit me to handle the matter in m& o'n 'a&: Is the lad& capable of seeing us( ,atson:4 4She is ill( but she is <uite rational#4 4Ver& good# It is onl& in her presence that 'e can clear the matter up# et us go up to her#4 4She 'ill not see me(4 cried *erguson# 4"h( &es( she 'ill(4 said %olmes# %e scribbled a fe' lines upon a sheet of paper# 49ou at least ha)e the entree( ,atson# ,ill &ou ha)e the goodness to gi)e the lad& this note:4 I ascended again and handed the note to +olores( 'ho cautiousl& opened the door# / minute later I heard a cr& from 'ithin( a cr& in 'hich ;o& and surprise seemed to be blended# +olores loo$ed out# 4She 'ill see them# She 'ill leesten(4 said she# /t m& summons *erguson and %olmes came up# /s 'e entered the room *erguson too$ a step or t'o to'ards his 'ife( 'ho had raised herself in the bed( but she held out her hand to repulse him# %e san$ into an armchair( 'hile %olmes seated himself beside him( after bo'ing to the lad&( 'ho loo$ed at him 'ith 'ide-e&ed amazement# 4I thin$ 'e can dispense 'ith +olores(4 said %olmes# 4"h( )er& 'ell( madame( if &ou 'ould rather she sta&ed I can see no ob;ection# 8o'( Mr# *erguson( I am a bus& man 'ith man& calls( and m& methods ha)e to be short and direct# The s'iftest surger& is the least painful# et me first sa& 'hat 'ill ease &our mind# 9our 'ife is a )er& good( a )er& lo)ing( and a )er& ill-used 'oman#4 *erguson sat up 'ith a cr& of ;o&# 4Pro)e that( Mr# %olmes( and I am &our debtor fore)er#4 4I 'ill do so( but in doing so I must 'ound &ou deepl& in another direction#4 4I care nothing so long as &ou clear m& 'ife# 5)er&thing on earth is insignificant compared to that#4 4 et me tell &ou( then( the train of reasoning 'hich passed through m& mind in Ba$er Street# The idea of a )ampire 'as to me absurd# Such things do not happen in criminal practice in 5ngland# /nd &et &our obser)ation 'as precise# 9ou had seen the lad& rise from beside the child!s cot 'ith the blood upon her lips#4 4I did#4 4+id it not occur to &ou that a bleeding 'ound ma& be suc$ed for some other purpose than to dra' the blood from it: ,as there not a <ueen in 5nglish histor& 'ho suc$ed such a 'ound to dra' poison from it:4 4Poison64 4/ South /merican household# M& instinct felt the presence of those 'eapons upon the 'all before m& e&es e)er sa' them# It might ha)e been other poison( but that 'as 'hat occurred to me# ,hen I sa' that little empt& <ui)er beside the small birdbo'( it 'as ;ust 'hat I

expected to see# If the child 'ere pric$ed 'ith one of those arro's dipped in curare or some other de)ilish drug( it 'ould mean death if the )enom 'ere not suc$ed out# 4/nd the dog6 If one 'ere to use such a poison( 'ould one not tr& it first in order to see that it had not lost its po'er: I did not foresee the dog( but at least I understand him and he fitted into m& reconstruction# 48o' do &ou understand: 9our 'ife feared such an attac$# She sa' it made and sa)ed the child!s life( and &et she shran$ from telling &ou all the truth( for she $ne' ho' &ou lo)ed the bo& and feared lest it brea$ &our heart#4 4Aac$&64 4I 'atched him as &ou fondled the child ;ust no'# %is face 'as clearl& reflected in the glass of the 'indo' 'here the shutter formed a bac$ground# I sa' such ;ealous&( such cruel hatred( as I ha)e seldom seen in a human face#4 4M& Aac$&64 49ou ha)e to face it( Mr# *erguson# It is the more painful because it is a distorted lo)e( a maniacal exaggerated lo)e for &ou( and possibl& for his dead mother( 'hich has prompted his action# %is )er& soul is consumed 'ith hatred for this splendid child( 'hose health and beaut& are a contrast to his o'n 'ea$ness#4 4Good God6 It is incredible64 4%a)e I spo$en the truth( madame:4 The lad& 'as sobbing( 'ith her face buried in the pillo's# 8o' she turned to her husband# 4%o' could I tell &ou( Bob: I felt the blo' it 'ould be to &ou# It 'as better that I should 'ait and that it should come from some other lips than mine# ,hen this gentleman( 'ho seems to ha)e po'ers of magic( 'rote that he $ne' all( I 'as glad#4 4I thin$ a &ear at sea 'ould be m& prescription for Master Aac$&(4 said %olmes( rising from his chair# 4"nl& one thing is still clouded( madame# ,e can <uite understand &our attac$s upon Master Aac$&# There is a limit to a mother!s patience# But ho' did &ou dare to lea)e the child these last t'o da&s:4 4I had told Mrs# Mason# She $ne'#4 45xactl&# So I imagined#4 *erguson 'as standing b& the bed( cho$ing( his hands outstretched and <ui)ering# 4This( I fanc&( is the time for our exit( ,atson(4 said %olmes in a 'hisper# 4If &ou 'ill ta$e one elbo' of the too faithful +olores( I 'ill ta$e the other# There( no'(4 he added as he closed the door behind him( 4I thin$ 'e ma& lea)e them to settle the rest among themsel)es#4 I ha)e onl& one further note of this case# It is the letter 'hich %olmes 'rote in final ans'er to that 'ith 'hich the narrati)e begins# It ran thus? B/B5R 8o)# Re Vampires SIR? STR55T( @0st#

Referring to &our letter of the 03th( I beg to state that I ha)e loo$ed into the in<uir& of &our client( Mr# Robert *erguson( of *erguson and Muirhead( tea bro$ers( of Mincing ane( and that the matter has been brought to a satisfactor& conclusion# ,ith than$s for &our recommendation( I am( sir( *aithfull& &ours( S%5R "CB %" M5S#

ADVENTURE V! THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE &ARR DE$S

It ma& ha)e been a comed&( or it ma& ha)e been a traged&# It cost one man his reason( it cost me a blood-letting( and it cost &et another man the penalties of the la'# 9et there 'as certainl& an element of comed&# ,ell( &ou shall ;udge for &oursel)es# I remember the date )er& 'ell( for it 'as in the same month that %olmes refused a $nighthood for ser)ices 'hich ma& perhaps some da& be described# I onl& refer to the matter in passing( for in m& position of partner and confidant I am obliged to be particularl& careful to a)oid an& indiscretion# I repeat( ho'e)er( that this enables me to fix the date( 'hich 'as the latter end of Aune( 03C@( shortl& after the conclusion of the South /frican ,ar# %olmes had spent se)eral da&s in bed( as 'as his habit from time to time( but he emerged that morning 'ith a long foolscap document in his hand and a t'in$le of amusement in his austere gra& e&es# 4There is a chance for &ou to ma$e some mone&# friend ,atson(4 said he# 4%a)e &ou e)er heard the name of Garrideb:4 I admitted that I had not# 4,ell( if &ou can la& &our hand upon a Garrideb( there!s mone& in it#4 4,h&:4 4/h( that!s a long stor&--rather a 'himsical one( too# I don!t thin$ in all our explorations of human complexities 'e ha)e e)er come upon an&thing more singular# The fello' 'ill be here presentl& for cross-examination( so I 'on!t open the matter up till he comes# But( mean'hile( that!s the name 'e 'ant#4 The telephone director& la& on the table beside me( and I turned o)er the pages in a rather hopeless <uest# But to m& amazement there 'as this strange name in its due place# I ga)e a cr& of triumph# 4%ere &ou are( %olmes6 %ere it is64 %olmes too$ the boo$ from m& hand# 4!Garrideb( 8#(!4 he read( 4!0=> ittle R&der Street( ,#! Sorr& to disappoint &ou( m& dear ,atson( but this is the man himself# That is the address upon his letter# ,e 'ant another to match him#4 Mrs# %udson had come in 'ith a card upon a tra&# I too$ it up and glanced at it# 4,h&( here it is64 I cried in amazement# 4This is a different initial# Aohn Garrideb( Counsellor at a'( Moor)ille( Bansas( 7#S#/#4

%olmes smiled as he loo$ed at the card# 4I am afraid &ou must ma$e &et another effort( ,atson(4 said he# 4This gentleman is also in the plot alread&( though I certainl& did not expect to see him this morning# %o'e)er( he is in a position to tell us a good deal 'hich I 'ant to $no'#4 / moment later he 'as in the room# Mr# Aohn Garrideb( Counsellor at a'( 'as a short( po'erful man 'ith the round( fresh( clean-sha)en face characteristic of so man& /merican men of affairs# The general effect 'as chubb& and rather childli$e( so that one recei)ed the impression of <uite a &oung man 'ith a broad set smile upon his face# %is e&es( ho'e)er( 'ere arresting# Seldom in an& human head ha)e I seen a pair 'hich bespo$e a more intense in'ard life( so bright 'ere the&( so alert( so responsi)e to e)er& change of thought# %is accent 'as /merican( but 'as not accompanied b& an& eccentricit& of speech# 4Mr# %olmes:4 he as$ed( glancing from one to the other# 4/h( &es6 9our pictures are not unli$e &ou( sir( if I ma& sa& so# I belie)e &ou ha)e had a letter from m& namesa$e( Mr# 8athan Garrideb( ha)e &ou not:4 4Pra& sit do'n(4 said Sherloc$ %olmes# 4,e shall( I fanc&( ha)e a good deal to discuss#4 %e too$ up his sheets of foolscap# 49ou are( of course( the Mr# Aohn Garrideb mentioned in this document# But surel& &ou ha)e been in 5ngland some time:4 4,h& do &ou sa& that( Mr# %olmes:4 I seemed to read sudden suspicion in those expressi)e e&es# 49our 'hole outfit is 5nglish#4 Mr# Garrideb forced a laugh# 4I!)e read of &our tric$s( Mr# %olmes( but I ne)er thought I 'ould be the sub;ect of them# ,here do &ou read that:4 4The shoulder cut of &our coat( the toes of &our boots--could an&one doubt it:4 4,ell( 'ell( I had no idea I 'as so ob)ious a Britisher# But business brought me o)er here some time ago( and so( as &ou sa&( m& outfit is nearl& all ondon# %o'e)er( I guess &our time is of )alue( and 'e did not meet to tal$ about the cut of m& soc$s# ,hat about getting do'n to that paper &ou hold in &our hand:4 %olmes had in some 'a& ruffled our )isitor( 'hose chubb& face had assumed a far less amiable expression# 4Patience6 Patience( Mr# Garrideb64 said m& friend in a soothing )oice# 4+r# ,atson 'ould tell &ou that these little digressions of mine sometimes pro)e in the end to ha)e some bearing on the matter# But 'h& did Mr# 8athan Garrideb not come 'ith &ou:4 4,h& did he e)er drag &ou into it at all:4 as$ed our )isitor 'ith a sudden outflame of anger# 4,hat in thunder had &ou to do 'ith it: %ere 'as a bit of professional business bet'een t'o gentlemen( and one of them must needs call in a detecti)e6 I sa' him this morning( and he told me this fool-tric$ he had pla&ed me( and that!s 'h& I am here# But I feel bad about it( all the same#4 4There 'as no reflection upon &ou( Mr# Garrideb# It 'as simpl& zeal upon his part to gain &our end--an end 'hich is( I understand( e<uall& )ital for both of &ou# %e $ne' that I had means of getting information( and( therefore( it 'as )er& natural that he should appl& to me#4 "ur )isitor!s angr& face graduall& cleared# 4,ell( that puts it different(4 said he# 4,hen I 'ent to see him this morning and he told me he had sent to a detecti)e( I ;ust as$ed for &our address and came right a'a&# I don!t 'ant police

butting into a pri)ate matter# But if &ou are content ;ust to help us find the man( there can be no harm in that#4 4,ell( that is ;ust ho' it stands(4 said %olmes# 4/nd no'( sir( since &ou are here( 'e had best ha)e a clear account from &our o'n lips# M& friend here $no's nothing of the details#4 Mr# Garrideb sur)e&ed me 'ith not too friendl& a gaze# 48eed he $no':4 he as$ed# 4,e usuall& 'or$ together#4 4,ell( there!s no reason it should be $ept a secret# I!ll gi)e &ou the facts as short as I can ma$e them# If &ou came from Bansas I 'ould not need to explain to &ou 'ho /lexander %amilton Garrideb 'as# %e made his mone& in real estate( and after'ards in the 'heat pit at Chicago( but he spent it in bu&ing up as much land as 'ould ma$e one of &our counties( l&ing along the /r$ansas Ri)er( 'est of *ort +odge# It!s grazing-land and lumber-land and arableland and mineralized-land( and ;ust e)er& sort of land that brings dollars to the man that o'ns it# 4%e had no $ith nor $in--or( if he had( I ne)er heard of it# But he too$ a $ind of pride in the <ueerness of his name# That 'as 'hat brought us together# I 'as in the la' at Tope$a( and one da& I had a )isit from the old man( and he 'as tic$led to death to meet another man 'ith his o'n name# It 'as his pet fad( and he 'as dead set to find out if there 'ere an& more Garridebs in the 'orld# !*ind me another6! said he# I told him I 'as a bus& man and could not spend m& life hi$ing round the 'orld in search of Garridebs# !8one the less(! said he( !that is ;ust 'hat &ou 'ill do if things pan out as I planned them#! I thought he 'as ;o$ing( but there 'as a po'erful lot of meaning in the 'ords( as I 'as soon to disco)er# 4*or he died 'ithin a &ear of sa&ing them( and he left a 'ill behind him# It 'as the <ueerest 'ill that has e)er been filed in the State of Bansas# %is propert& 'as di)ided into three parts and I 'as to ha)e one on condition that I found t'o Garridebs 'ho 'ould share the remainder# It!s fi)e million dollars for each if it is a cent( but 'e can!t la& a finger on it until 'e all three stand in a ro'# 4It 'as so big a chance that I ;ust let m& legal practice slide and I set forth loo$ing for Garridebs# There is not one in the 7nited States# I 'ent through it( sir( 'ith a fine-toothed comb and ne)er a Garrideb could I catch# Then I tried the old countr&# Sure enough there 'as the name in the ondon telephone director&# I 'ent after him t'o da&s ago and explained the 'hole matter to him# But he is a lone man( li$e m&self( 'ith some 'omen relations( but no men# It sa&s three adult men in the 'ill# So &ou see 'e still ha)e a )acanc&( and if &ou can help to fill it 'e 'ill be )er& read& to pa& &our charges#4 4,ell( ,atson(4 said %olmes 'ith a smile( 4l said it 'as rather 'himsical( did I not: I should ha)e thought( sir( that &our ob)ious 'a& 'as to ad)ertise in the agon& columns of the papers#4 4I ha)e done that( Mr# %olmes# 8o replies#4 4+ear me6 ,ell( it is certainl& a most curious little problem# I ma& ta$e a glance at it in m& leisure# B& the 'a&( it is curious that &ou should ha)e come from Tope$a# I used to ha)e a correspondent--he is dead no'--old +r# &sander Starr( 'ho 'as ma&or in 013C#4 4Good old +r# Starr64 said our )isitor# 4%is name is still honoured# ,ell( Mr# %olmes( I suppose all 'e can do is to report to &ou and let &ou $no' ho' 'e progress# I rec$on &ou 'ill hear 'ithin a da& or t'o#4 ,ith this assurance our /merican bo'ed and departed#

%olmes had lit his pipe( and he sat for some time 'ith a curious smile upon his face# 4,ell:4 I as$ed at last# 4I am 'ondering( ,atson--;ust 'ondering64 4/t 'hat:4 %olmes too$ his pipe from his lips# 4I 'as 'ondering( ,atson( 'hat on earth could be the ob;ect of this man in telling us such a rigmarole of lies# I nearl& as$ed him so--for there are times 'hen a brutal frontal attac$ is the best polic&--but I ;udged it better to let him thin$ he had fooled us# %ere is a man 'ith an 5nglish coat fra&ed at the elbo' and trousers bagged at the $nee 'ith a &ear!s 'ear( and &et b& this document and b& his o'n account he is a pro)incial /merican latel& landed in ondon# There ha)e been no ad)ertisements in the agon& columns# 9ou $no' that I miss nothing there# The& are m& fa)ourite co)ert for putting up a bird( and I 'ould ne)er ha)e o)erloo$ed such a coc$ pheasant as that# I ne)er $ne' a +r# &sander Starr( of Tope$a# Touch him 'here &ou 'ould he 'as false# I thin$ the fello' is reall& an /merican( but he has 'orn his accent smooth 'ith &ears of ondon# ,hat is his game( then( and 'hat moti)e lies behind this preposterous search for Garridebs: It!s 'orth our attention( for( granting that the man is a rascal( he is certainl& a complex and ingenious one# ,e must no' find out if our other correspondent is a fraud also# Aust ring him up( ,atson#4 I did so( and heard a thin( <ua)ering )oice at the other end of the line# 49es( &es( I am Mr# 8athan Garrideb# Is Mr# %olmes there: I should )er& much li$e to ha)e a 'ord 'ith Mr# %olmes#4 M& friend too$ the instrument and I heard the usual s&ncopated dialogue# 49es( he has been here# I understand that &ou don!t $no' him#### %o' long: ### "nl& t'o da&s6 ### 9es( &es( of course( it is a most capti)ating prospect# ,ill &ou be at home this e)ening: I suppose &our namesa$e 'ill not be there: # # # Ver& good( 'e 'ill come then( for I 'ould rather ha)e a chat 'ithout him#### +r# ,atson 'ill come 'ith me#### I understand from &our note that &ou did not go out often#### ,ell( 'e shall be round about six# 9ou need not mention it to the /merican la'&er#### Ver& good# Good-b&e64 It 'as t'ilight of a lo)el& spring e)ening( and e)en ittle R&der Street( one of the smaller offshoots from the 5dg'are Road( 'ithin a stone-cast of old T&burn Tree of e)il memor&( loo$ed golden and 'onderful in the slanting ra&s of the setting sun# The particular house to 'hich 'e 'ere directed 'as a large( old-fashioned( 5arl& Georgian edifice( 'ith a flat bric$ face bro$en onl& b& t'o deep ba& 'indo's on the ground floor# It 'as on this ground floor that our client li)ed( and( indeed( the lo' 'indo's pro)ed to be the front of the huge room in 'hich he spent his 'a$ing hours# %olmes pointed as 'e passed to the small brass plate 'hich bore the curious name# 47p some &ears( ,atson(4 he remar$ed( indicating its discoloured surface# 4It!s his real name( an&ho'( and that is something to note#4 The house had a common stair( and there 'ere a number of names painted in the hall( some indicating offices and some pri)ate chambers# It 'as not a collection of residential flats( but rather the abode of Bohemian bachelors# "ur client opened the door for us himself and apologized b& sa&ing that the 'oman in charge left at four o!cloc$# Mr# 8athan Garrideb pro)ed to be a )er& tall( loose;ointed( round-bac$ed person( gaunt and bald( some sixt&-odd

&ears of age# %e had a cada)erous face( 'ith the dull dead s$in of a man to 'hom exercise 'as un$no'n# arge round spectacles and a small pro;ecting goat!s beard combined 'ith his stooping attitude to gi)e him an expression of peering curiosit&# The general effect( ho'e)er( 'as amiable( though eccentric# The room 'as as curious as its occupant# It loo$ed li$e a small museum# It 'as both broad and deep( 'ith cupboards and cabinets all round( cro'ded 'ith specimens( geological and anatomical# Cases of butterflies and moths flan$ed each side of the entrance# / large table in the centre 'as littered 'ith all sorts of debris( 'hile the tall brass tube of a po'erful microscope bristled up among them# /s I glanced round I 'as surprised at the uni)ersalit& of the man!s interests# %ere 'as a case of ancient coins# There 'as a cabinet of flint instruments# Behind his central table 'as a large cupboard of fossil bones# /bo)e 'as a line of plaster s$ulls 'ith such names as 48eanderthal(4 4%eidelberg(4 4Cro-Magnon4 printed beneath them# It 'as clear that he 'as a student of man& sub;ects# /s he stood in front of us no'( he held a piece of chamois leather in his right hand 'ith 'hich he 'as polishing a coin# 4S&racusan--of the best period(4 he explained( holding it up# 4The& degenerated greatl& to'ards the end# /t their best I hold them supreme( though some prefer the /lexandrian school# 9ou 'ill find a chair here( Mr# %olmes# Pra& allo' me to clear these bones# /nd &ou( sir--ah( &es( +r# ,atson--if &ou 'ould ha)e the goodness to put the Aapanese )ase to one side# 9ou see round me m& little interests in life# M& doctor lectures me about ne)er going out( but 'h& should I go out 'hen I ha)e so much to hold me here: I can assure &ou that the ade<uate cataloguing of one of those cabinets 'ould ta$e me three good months#4 %olmes loo$ed round him 'ith curiosit&# 4But do &ou tell me that &ou ne)er go out:4 he said# 48o' and again I dri)e do'n to Sotheb&!s or Christie!s# "ther'ise I )er& seldom lea)e m& room# I am not too strong( and m& researches are )er& absorbing# But &ou can imagine( Mr# %olmes( 'hat a terrific shoc$ --pleasant but terrific--it 'as for me 'hen I heard of this unparalleled good fortune# It onl& needs one more Garrideb to complete the matter( and surel& 'e can find one# I had a brother( but he is dead( and female relati)es are dis<ualified# But there must surel& be others in the 'orld# I had heard that &ou handled strange cases( and that 'as 'h& I sent to &ou# "f course( this /merican gentleman is <uite right( and I should ha)e ta$en his ad)ice first( but I acted for the best#4 4I thin$ &ou acted )er& 'isel& indeed(4 said %olmes# 4But are &ou reall& anxious to ac<uire an estate in /merica:4 4Certainl& not( sir# 8othing 'ould induce me to lea)e m& collection# But this gentleman has assured me that he 'ill bu& me out as soon as 'e ha)e established our claim# *i)e million dollars 'as the sum named# There are a dozen specimens in the mar$et at the present moment 'hich fill gaps in m& collection( and 'hich I am unable to purchase for 'ant of a fe' hundred pounds# Aust thin$ 'hat I could do 'ith fi)e million dollars# ,h&( I ha)e the nucleus of a national collection# I shall be the %ans Sloane of m& age#4 %is e&es gleamed behind his great spectacles# It 'as )er& clear that no pains 'ould be spared b& Mr# 8athan Garrideb in finding a namesa$e# 4I merel& called to ma$e &our ac<uaintance( and there is no reason 'h& I should interrupt &our studies(4 said %olmes# 4I prefer to establish personal touch 'ith those 'ith 'hom I do business# There are fe' <uestions I need as$( for I ha)e &our )er& clear narrati)e in m&

poc$et( and I filled up the blan$s 'hen this /merican gentleman called# I understand that up to this 'ee$ &ou 'ere una'are of his existence#4 4That is so# %e called last Tuesda&#4 4+id he tell &ou of our inter)ie' to-da&:4 49es( he came straight bac$ to me# %e had been )er& angr&#4 4,h& should he be angr&:4 4%e seemed to thin$ it 'as some reflection on his honour# But he 'as <uite cheerful again 'hen he returned#4 4+id he suggest an& course of action:4 48o( sir( he did not#4 4%as he had( or as$ed for( an& mone& from &ou:4 48o( sir( ne)er64 49ou see no possible ob;ect he has in )ie':4 48one( except 'hat he states#4 4+id &ou tell him of our telephone appointment:4 49es( sir( I did#4 %olmes 'as lost in thought# I could see that he 'as puzzled# 4%a)e &ou an& articles of great )alue in &our collection:4 48o( sir# I am not a rich man# It is a good collection( but not a )er& )aluable one#4 49ou ha)e no fear of burglars:4 48ot the least#4 4%o' long ha)e &ou been in these rooms:4 48earl& fi)e &ears#4 %olmes!s cross-examination 'as interrupted b& an imperati)e $noc$ing at the door# 8o sooner had our client unlatched it than the /merican la'&er burst excitedl& into the room# 4%ere &ou are64 he cried( 'a)ing a paper o)er his head# 4I thought I should be in time to get &ou# Mr# 8athan Garrideb( m& congratulations6 9ou are a rich man( sir# "ur business is happil& finished and all is 'ell# /s to &ou( Mr# %olmes( 'e can onl& sa& 'e are sorr& if 'e ha)e gi)en &ou an& useless trouble#4 %e handed o)er the paper to our client( 'ho stood staring at a mar$ed ad)ertisement# %olmes and I leaned for'ard and read it o)er his shoulder# This is ho' it ran? %",/R+ C"8STR7CT"R "* /GRIC7 T7R/ M/C%I85R9 G/RRI+5B

Binders( reapers( steam and hand plo's( drills( harro's( farmer!s carts( buc$boards( and all other appliances# 5stimates for /rtesian ,ells# /ppl& Gros)enor Buildings( /ston 4Glorious64 gasped our host# 4That ma$es our third man#4

4I had opened up in<uiries in Birmingham(4 said the /merican( 4and m& agent there has sent me this ad)ertisement from a local paper# ,e must hustle and put the thing through# I ha)e 'ritten to this man and told him that &ou 'ill see him in his office to-morro' afternoon at four o!cloc$#4 49ou 'ant me to see him:4 4,hat do &ou sa&( Mr# %olmes: +on!t &ou thin$ it 'ould be 'iser: %ere am I( a 'andering /merican 'ith a 'onderful tale# ,h& should he belie)e 'hat I tell him: But &ou are a Britisher 'ith solid references( and he is bound to ta$e notice of 'hat &ou sa&# I 'ould go 'ith &ou if &ou 'ished( but I ha)e a )er& bus& da& to-morro'( and I could al'a&s follo' &ou if &ou are in an& trouble#4 4,ell( I ha)e not made such a ;ourne& for &ears#4 4It is nothing( Mr# Garrideb# I ha)e figured out our connections# 9ou lea)e at t'el)e and should be there soon after t'o# Then &ou can be bac$ the same night# /ll &ou ha)e to do is to see this man( explain the matter( and get an affida)it of his existence# B& the ord64 he added hotl&( 4considering I!)e come all the 'a& from the centre of /merica( it is surel& little enough if &ou go a hundred miles in order to put this matter through#4 4Fuite so(4 said %olmes# 4I thin$ 'hat this gentleman sa&s is )er& true#4 Mr# 8athan Garrideb shrugged his shoulders 'ith a disconsolate air# 4,ell( if &ou insist I shall go(4 said he# 4It is certainl& hard for me to refuse &ou an&thing( considering the glor& of hope that &ou ha)e brought into m& life#4 4Then that is agreed(4 said %olmes( 4and no doubt &ou 'ill let me ha)e a report as soon as &ou can#4 4I!ll see to that(4 said the /merican# 4,ell(4 he added loo$ing at his 'atch( 4I!ll ha)e to get on# I!ll call to-morro'( Mr# 8athan( and see &ou off to Birmingham# Coming m& 'a&( Mr# %olmes: ,ell( then( good-b&e( and 'e ma& ha)e good ne's for &ou to-morro' night#4 I noticed that m& friend!s face cleared 'hen the /merican left the room( and the loo$ of thoughtful perplexit& had )anished# 4I 'ish I could loo$ o)er &our collection( Mr# Garrideb(4 said he# 4In m& profession all sorts of odd $no'ledge comes useful( and this room of &ours is a storehouse of it#4 "ur client shone 'ith pleasure and his e&es gleamed from behind his big glasses# 4I had al'a&s heard( sir( that &ou 'ere a )er& intelligent man(4 said he# 4I could ta$e &ou round no' if &ou ha)e the time#4 47nfortunatel&( I ha)e not# But these specimens are so 'ell labelled and classified that the& hardl& need &our personal explanation# If I should be able to loo$ in to-morro'( I presume that there 'ould be no ob;ection to m& glancing o)er them:4 48one at all# 9ou are most 'elcome# The place 'ill( of course( be shut up( but Mrs# Saunders is in the basement up to four o!cloc$ and 'ould let &ou in 'ith her $e&#4 4,ell( I happen to be clear to-morro' afternoon# If &ou 'ould sa& a 'ord to Mrs# Saunders it 'ould be <uite in order# B& the 'a&( 'ho is &our house-agent:4 "ur client 'as amazed at the sudden <uestion# 4%ollo'a& and Steele( in the 5dg'are Road# But 'h&:4

4I am a bit of an archaeologist m&self 'hen it comes to houses(4 said %olmes( laughing# 4I 'as 'ondering if this 'as Fueen /nne or Georgian#4 4Georgian( be&ond doubt#4 4Reall&# I should ha)e thought a little earlier# %o'e)er( it is easil& ascertained# ,ell( good-b&e( Mr# Garrideb( and ma& &ou ha)e e)er& success in &our Birmingham ;ourne&#4 The house-agent!s 'as close b&( but 'e found that it 'as closed for the da&( so 'e made our 'a& bac$ to Ba$er Street# It 'as not till after dinner that %olmes re)erted to the sub;ect# 4"ur little problem dra's to a close(4 said he# 48o doubt &ou ha)e outlined the solution in &our o'n mind#4 4I can ma$e neither head nor tail of it#4 4The head is surel& clear enough and the tail 'e should see to-morro'# +id &ou notice nothing curious about that ad)ertisement:4 4I sa' that the 'ord !plough! 'as misspelt#4 4"h( &ou did notice that( did &ou: Come( ,atson( &ou impro)e all the time# 9es( it 'as bad 5nglish but good /merican# The printer had set it up as recei)ed# Then the buc$boards# That is /merican also# /nd artesian 'ells are commoner 'ith them than 'ith us# It 'as a t&pical /merican ad)ertisement( but purporting to be from an 5nglish firm# ,hat do &ou ma$e of that:4 4I can onl& suppose that this /merican la'&er put it in himself# ,hat his ob;ect 'as I fail to understand#4 4,ell( there are alternati)e explanations# /n&ho'( he 'anted to get this good old fossil up to Birmingham# That is )er& clear# I might ha)e told him that he 'as clearl& going on a 'ildgoose chase( but( on second thoughts( it seemed better to clear the stage b& letting him go# To-morro'( ,atson--'ell( to-morro' 'ill spea$ for itself#4 %olmes 'as up and out earl&# ,hen he returned at lunchtime I noticed that his face 'as )er& gra)e# 4This is a more serious matter than I had expected( ,atson(4 said he# 4It is fair to tell &ou so( though I $no' it 'ill onl& be an additional reason to &ou for running &our head into danger# I should $no' m& ,atson b& no'# But there is danger( and &ou should $no' it#4 4,ell( it is not the first 'e ha)e shared( %olmes# I hope it ma& not be the last# ,hat is the particular danger this time:4 4,e are up against a )er& hard case# I ha)e identified Mr# Aohn Garrideb( Counsellor at a'# %e is none other than !Biller! 5)ans( of sinister and murderous reputation#4 4I fear I am none the 'iser#4 4/h( it is not part of &our profession to carr& about a portable 8e'gate Calendar in &our memor&# I ha)e been do'n to see friend estrade at the 9ard# There ma& be an occasional 'ant of imaginati)e intuition do'n there( but the& lead the 'orld for thoroughness and method# I had an idea that 'e might get on the trac$ of our /merican friend in their records# Sure enough( I found his chubb& face smiling up at me from the rogues! portrait galler&# !Aames ,inter( alias Morecroft( alias Biller 5)ans(! 'as the inscription belo'#4 %olmes dre' an en)elope from his poc$et# 4I scribbled do'n a fe' points from his dossier? /ged fort&-four# 8ati)e of Chicago# Bno'n to ha)e shot three men in the States# 5scaped from penitentiar&

through political influence# Came to ondon in 013=# Shot a man o)er cards in a night-club in the ,aterloo Road in Aanuar&( 013E# Man died( but he 'as sho'n to ha)e been the aggressor in the ro'# +ead man 'as identified as Rodger Prescott( famous as forger and coiner in Chicago# Biller 5)ans released in 03C0# %as been under police super)ision since( but so far as $no'n has led an honest life# Ver& dangerous man( usuall& carries arms and is prepared to use them# That is our bird( ,atson--a sporting bird( as &ou must admit#4 4But 'hat is his game:4 4,ell( it begins to define itself# I ha)e been to the houseagent!s# "ur client( as he told us( has been there fi)e &ears# It 'as unlet for a &ear before then# The pre)ious tenant 'as a gentleman at large named ,aldron# ,aldron!s appearance 'as 'ell remembered at the office# %e had suddenl& )anished and nothing more been heard of him# %e 'as a tall( bearded man 'ith )er& dar$ features# 8o'( Prescott( the man 'hom Biller 5)ans had shot( 'as( according to Scotland 9ard( a tall( dar$ man 'ith a beard# /s a 'or$ing h&pothesis( I thin$ 'e ma& ta$e it that Prescott( the /merican criminal( used to li)e in the )er& room 'hich our innocent friend no' de)otes to his museum# So at last 'e get a lin$( &ou see#4 4/nd the next lin$:4 4,ell( 'e must go no' and loo$ for that#4 %e too$ a re)ol)er from the dra'er and handed it to me# 4I ha)e m& old fa)ourite 'ith me# If our ,ild ,est friend tries to li)e up to his nic$name( 'e must be read& for him# I!ll gi)e &ou an hour for a siesta( ,atson( and then I thin$ it 'ill be time for our R&der Street ad)enture#4 It 'as ;ust four o!cloc$ 'hen 'e reached the curious apartment of 8athan Garrideb# Mrs# Saunders( the careta$er( 'as about to lea)e( but she had no hesitation in admitting us( for the door shut 'ith a spring loc$( and %olmes promised to see that all 'as safe before 'e left# Shortl& after'ards the outer door closed( her bonnet passed the bo' 'indo'( and 'e $ne' that 'e 'ere alone in the lo'er floor of the house# %olmes made a rapid examination of the premises# There 'as one cupboard in a dar$ corner 'hich stood out a little from the 'all# It 'as behind this that 'e e)entuall& crouched 'hile %olmes in a 'hisper outlined his intentions# 4%e 'anted to get our amiable friend out of his room--that is )er& clear( and( as the collector ne)er 'ent out( it too$ some planning to do it# The 'hole of this Garrideb in)ention 'as apparentl& for no other end# I must sa&( ,atson( that there is a certain de)ilish ingenuit& about it( e)en if the <ueer name of the tenant did gi)e him an opening 'hich he could hardl& ha)e expected# %e 'o)e his plot 'ith remar$able cunning#!! 4But 'hat did he 'ant:4 4,ell( that is 'hat 'e are here to find out# It has nothing 'hate)er to do 'ith our client( so far as I can read the situation# It is something connected 'ith the man he murdered--the man 'ho ma& ha)e been his confederate in crime# There is some guilt& secret in the room# That is ho' I read it# /t first I thought our friend might ha)e something in his collection more )aluable than he $ne'--something 'orth the attention of a big criminal# But the fact that Rodger Prescott of e)il memor& inhabited these rooms points to some deeper reason# ,ell( ,atson( 'e can but possess our souls in patience and see 'hat the hour ma& bring#4 That hour 'as not long in stri$ing# ,e crouched closer in the shado' as 'e heard the outer door open and shut# Then came the sharp( metallic snap of a $e&( and the /merican 'as in

the room# %e closed the door softl& behind him( too$ a sharp glance around him to see that all 'as safe( thre' off his o)ercoat( and 'al$ed up to the central table 'ith the bris$ manner of one 'ho $no's exactl& 'hat he has to do and ho' to do it# %e pushed the table to one side( tore up the s<uare of carpet on 'hich it rested( rolled it completel& bac$( and then( dra'ing a ;emm& from his inside poc$et( he $nelt do'n and 'or$ed )igorousl& upon the floor# Presentl& 'e heard the sound of sliding boards( and an instant later a s<uare had opened in the plan$s# Biller 5)ans struc$ a match( lit a stump of candle( and )anished from our )ie'# Clearl& our moment had come# %olmes touched m& 'rist as a signal( and together 'e stole across to the open trap-door# Gentl& as 'e mo)ed( ho'e)er( the old floor must ha)e crea$ed under our feet( for the head of our /merican( peering anxiousl& round( emerged suddenl& from the open space# %is face turned upon us 'ith a glare of baffled rage( 'hich graduall& softened into a rather shamefaced grin as he realized that t'o pistols 'ere pointed at his head# 4,ell( 'ell64 said he cooll& as he scrambled to the surface# 4I guess &ou ha)e been one too man& for me( Mr# %olmes# Sa' through m& game( I suppose( and pla&ed me for a suc$er from the first# ,ell( sir( I hand it to &ou. &ou ha)e me beat and--4 In an instant he had 'his$ed out a re)ol)er from his breast and had fired t'o shots# I felt a sudden hot sear as if a red-hot iron had been pressed to m& thigh# There 'as a crash as %olmes!s pistol came do'n on the man!s head# I had a )ision of him spra'ling upon the floor 'ith blood running do'n his face 'hile %olmes rummaged him for 'eapons# Then m& friend!s 'ir& arms 'ere round me( and he 'as leading me to a chair# 49ou!re not hurt( ,atson: *or God!s sa$e( sa& that &ou are not hurt64 It 'as 'orth a 'ound--it 'as 'orth man& 'ounds--to $no' the depth of lo&alt& and lo)e 'hich la& behind that cold mas$# The clear( hard e&es 'ere dimmed for a moment( and the firm lips 'ere sha$ing# *or the one and onl& time I caught a glimpse of a great heart as 'ell as of a great brain# /ll m& &ears of humble but single-minded ser)ice culminated in that moment of re)elation# 4It!s nothing( %olmes# It!s a mere scratch#4 %e had ripped up m& trousers 'ith his poc$et-$nife# 49ou are right(4 he cried 'ith an immense sigh of relief# 4It is <uite superficial#4 %is face set li$e flint as he glared at our prisoner( 'ho 'as sitting up 'ith a dazed face# 4B& the ord( it is as 'ell for &ou# If &ou had $illed ,atson( &ou 'ould not ha)e got out of this room ali)e# 8o'( sir( 'hat ha)e &ou to sa& for &ourself:4 %e had nothing to sa& for himself# %e onl& sat and sco'led# I leaned on %olmes!s arm( and together 'e loo$ed do'n into the small cellar 'hich had been disclosed b& the secret flap# It 'as still illuminated b& the candle 'hich 5)ans had ta$en do'n 'ith him# "ur e&es fell upon a mass of rusted machiner&( great rolls of paper( a litter of bottles( and( neatl& arranged upon a small table( a number of neat little bundles# 4/ printing press--a counterfeiter!s outfit(4 said %olmes# 49es( sir(4 said our prisoner( staggering slo'l& to his feet and then sin$ing into the chair# 4The greatest counterfeiter ondon e)er sa'# That!s Prescott!s machine( and those bundles on the table are t'o thousand of Prescott!s notes 'orth a hundred each and fit to pass an&'here# %elp &oursel)es( gentlemen# Call it a deal and let me beat it#4

%olmes laughed# 4,e don!t do things li$e that( Mr# 5)ans# There is no bolthole for &ou in this countr&# 9ou shot this man Prescott( did &ou not:4 49es( sir( and got fi)e &ears for it( though it 'as he 'ho pulled on me# *i)e &ears--'hen I should ha)e had a medal the size of a soup plate# 8o li)ing man could tell a Prescott from a Ban$ of 5ngland( and if I hadn!t put him out he 'ould ha)e flooded ondon 'ith them# I 'as the onl& one in the 'orld 'ho $ne' 'here he made them# Can &ou 'onder that I 'anted to get to the place: /nd can &ou 'onder that 'hen I found this craz& boob of a bug-hunter 'ith the <ueer name s<uatting right on the top of it( and ne)er <uitting his room( I had to do the best I could to shift him: Ma&be I 'ould ha)e been 'iser if I had put him a'a&# It 'ould ha)e been eas& enough( but I!m a soft-hearted gu& that can!t begin shooting unless the other man has a gun also# But sa&( Mr# %olmes( 'hat ha)e I done 'rong( an&ho': I!)e not used this plant# I!)e not hurt this old stiff# ,here do &ou get me:4 4"nl& attempted murder( so far as I can see(4 said %olmes# 4But that!s not our ;ob# The& ta$e that at the next stage# ,hat 'e 'anted at present 'as ;ust &our s'eet self# Please gi)e the 9ard a call( ,atson# It 'on!t be entirel& unexpected#4 So those 'ere the facts about Biller 5)ans and his remar$able in)ention of the three Garridebs# ,e heard later that our poor old friend ne)er got o)er the shoc$ of his dissipated dreams# ,hen his castle in the air fell do'n( it buried him beneath the ruins# %e 'as last heard of at a nursing-home in Brixton# It 'as a glad da& at the 9ard 'hen the Prescott outfit 'as disco)ered( for( though the& $ne' that it existed( the& had ne)er been able( after the death of the man( to find out 'here it 'as# 5)ans had indeed done great ser)ice and caused se)eral 'orth& C# I# +# men to sleep the sounder( for the counterfeiter stands in a class b& himself as a public danger# The& 'ould 'illingl& ha)e subscribed to that soup-plate medal of 'hich the criminal had spo$en( but an unappreciati)e bench too$ a less fa)ourable )ie'( and the Biller returned to those shades from 'hich he had ;ust emerged#

ADVENTURE V ! THE ADVENTURE OF THE %%USTR OUS C% ENT

4It can!t hurt no'(4 'as Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes!s comment 'hen( for the tenth time in as man& &ears( I as$ed his lea)e to re)eal the follo'ing narrati)e# So it 'as that at last I obtained permission to put on record 'hat 'as( in some 'a&s( the supreme moment of m& friend!s career# Both %olmes and I had a 'ea$ness for the Tur$ish bath# It 'as o)er a smo$e in the pleasant lassitude of the dr&ing-room that I ha)e found him less reticent and more human than an&'here else# "n the upper floor of the 8orthumberland /)enue establishment there is an isolated corner 'here t'o couches lie side b& side( and it 'as on these that 'e la& upon September =( 03C@( the da& 'hen m& narrati)e begins# I had as$ed him 'hether an&thing 'as stirring( and for ans'er he had shot his long( thin( ner)ous arm out of the sheets 'hich en)eloped him and had dra'n an en)elope from the inside poc$et of the coat 'hich hung beside him# 4It ma& be some fuss&( self-important fool. it ma& be a matter of life or death(4 said he as he handed me the note# 4I $no' no more than this message tells me#4 It 'as from the Carlton Club and dated the e)ening before# This is 'hat I read?

Sir Aames +amer& presents his compliments to Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes and 'ill call upon him at D?=C to-morro'# Sir Aames begs to sa& that the matter upon 'hich he desires to consult Mr# %olmes is )er& delicate and also )er& important# %e trusts( therefore( that Mr# %olmes 'ill ma$e e)er& effort to grant this inter)ie'( and that he 'ill confirm it o)er the telephone to the Carlton Club#

4I need not sa& that I ha)e confirmed it( ,atson(4 said %olmes as I returned the paper# 4+o &ou $no' an&thing of this man +amer&:4 4"nl& that this name is a household 'ord in societ&#4 4,ell( I can tell &ou a little more than that# %e has rather a reputation for arranging delicate matters 'hich are to be $ept out of the papers# 9ou ma& remember his negotiations 'ith Sir George e'is o)er the %ammerford ,ill case# %e is a man of the 'orld 'ith a natural turn for diplomac&# I am bound( therefore( to hope that it is not a false scent and that he has some real need for our assistance#4 4"ur:4 4,ell( if &ou 'ill be so good( ,atson#4 4I shall be honoured#4 4Then &ou ha)e the hour--D?=C# 7ntil then 'e can put the matter out of our heads#4 I 'as li)ing in m& o'n rooms in Fueen /nne Street at the time( but I 'as round at Ba$er Street before the time named# Sharp to the half-hour( Colonel Sir Aames +amer& 'as announced# It is hardl& necessar& to describe him( for man& 'ill remember that large( bluff( honest personalit&( that broad( cleansha)en face( and( abo)e all( that pleasant( mello' )oice# *ran$ness shone from his gra& Irish e&es( and good humour pla&ed round his mobile( smiling lips# %is lucent top-hat( his dar$ froc$-coat( indeed( e)er& detail( from the pearl pin in the blac$ satin cra)at to the la)ender spats o)er the )arnished shoes( spo$e of the meticulous care in dress for 'hich he 'as famous# The big( masterful aristocrat dominated the little room# 4"f course( I 'as prepared to find +r# ,atson(4 he remar$ed 'ith a courteous bo'# 4%is collaboration ma& be )er& necessar&( for 'e are dealing on this occasion( Mr# %olmes( 'ith a man to 'hom )iolence is familiar and 'ho 'ill( literall&( stic$ at nothing# I should sa& that there is no more dangerous man in 5urope#4 4I ha)e had se)eral opponents to 'hom that flattering term has been applied(4 said %olmes 'ith a smile# 4+on!t &ou smo$e: Then &ou 'ill excuse me if I light m& pipe# If &our man is more dangerous than the late Professor Moriart&( or than the li)ing Colonel Sebastian Moran( then he is indeed 'orth meeting# Ma& I as$ his name:4 4%a)e &ou e)er heard of Baron Gruner:4 49ou mean the /ustrian murderer:4 Colonel +amer& thre' up his $id-glo)ed hands 'ith a laugh# 4There is no getting past &ou( Mr# %olmes6 ,onderful6 So &ou ha)e alread& sized him up as a murderer:4 4It is m& business to follo' the details of Continental crime# ,ho could possibl& ha)e read 'hat happened at Prague and ha)e an& doubts as to the man!s guilt6 It 'as a purel& technical legal point and the suspicious death of a 'itness that sa)ed him6 I am as sure that he $illed his 'ife 'hen the socalled !accident! happened in the Splugen Pass as if I had seen him do it# I $ne'( also( that he had come to 5ngland and had a presentiment that sooner or later he 'ould find me some 'or$ to do# ,ell( 'hat has Baron Gruner been up to: I presume it is not this old traged& 'hich has come up again:4

48o( it is more serious than that# To re)enge crime is important( but to pre)ent it is more so# It is a terrible thing( Mr# %olmes( to see a dreadful e)ent( an atrocious situation( preparing itself before &our e&es( to clearl& understand 'hither it 'ill lead and &et to be utterl& unable to a)ert it# Can a human being be placed in a more tr&ing position:4 4Perhaps not#4 4Then &ou 'ill s&mpathize 'ith the client in 'hose interests I am acting#4 4I did not understand that &ou 'ere merel& an intermediar&# ,ho is the principal:4 4Mr# %olmes( I must beg &ou not to press that <uestion# It is important that I should be able to assure him that his honoured name has been in no 'a& dragged into the matter# %is moti)es are( to the last degree( honourable and chi)alrous( but he prefers to remain un$no'n# I need not sa& that &our fees 'ill be assured and that &ou 'ill be gi)en a perfectl& free hand# Surel& the actual name of &our client is immaterial:4 4I am sorr&(4 said %olmes# 4I am accustomed to ha)e m&ster& at one end of m& cases( but to ha)e it at both ends is too confusing# I fear( Sir Aames( that I must decline to act#4 "ur )isitor 'as greatl& disturbed# %is large( sensiti)e face 'as dar$ened 'ith emotion and disappointment# 49ou hardl& realize the effect of &our o'n action( Mr# %olmes(4 said he# 49ou place me in a most serious dilemma for I am perfectl& certain that &ou 'ould be proud to ta$e o)er the case if I could gi)e &ou the facts( and &et a promise forbids me from re)ealing them all# Ma& I( at least( la& all that I can before &ou:4 4B& all means( so long as it is understood that I commit m&self to nothing#4 4That is understood# In the first place( &ou ha)e no doubt heard of General de Mer)ille:4 4+e Mer)ille of Bh&ber fame: 9es( I ha)e heard of him#4 4%e has a daughter( Violet de Mer)ille( &oung( rich( beautiful( accomplished( a 'onder-'oman in e)er& 'a&# It is this daughter( this lo)el&( innocent girl( 'hom 'e are endea)ouring to sa)e from the clutches of a fiend#4 4Baron Gruner has some hold o)er her( then:4 4The strongest of all holds 'here a 'oman is concerned--the hold of lo)e# The fello' is( as &ou ma& ha)e heard( extraordinaril& handsome( 'ith a most fascinating manner# a gentle )oice and that air of romance and m&ster& 'hich means so much to a 'oman# %e is said to ha)e the 'hole sex at his merc& and to ha)e made ample use of the fact#4 4But ho' came such a man to meet a lad& of the standing of Miss Violet de Mer)ille:4 4It 'as on a Mediterranean &achting )o&age# The compan&( though select( paid their o'n passages# 8o doubt the promoters hardl& realized the Baron!s true character until it 'as too late# The )illain attached himself to the lad&( and 'ith such effect that he has completel& and absolutel& 'on her heart# To sa& that she lo)es him hardl& expresses it# She dotes upon him( she is obsessed b& him# "utside of him there is nothing on earth# She 'ill not hear one 'ord against him# 5)er&thing has been done to cure her of her madness( but in )ain# To sum up( she proposes to marr& him next month# /s she is of age and has a 'ill of iron( it is hard to $no' ho' to pre)ent her#4 4+oes she $no' about the /ustrian episode:4

4The cunning de)il has told her e)er& unsa)our& public scandal of his past life( but al'a&s in such a 'a& as to ma$e himself out to be an innocent mart&r# She absolutel& accepts his )ersion and 'ill listen to no other#4 4+ear me6 But surel& &ou ha)e inad)ertentl& let out the name of &our client: It is no doubt General de Mer)ille#4 "ur )isitor fidgeted in his chair# 4I could decei)e &ou b& sa&ing so( Mr# %olmes( but it 'ould not be true# +e Mer)ille is a bro$en man# The strong soldier has been utterl& demoralized b& this incident# %e has lost the ner)e 'hich ne)er failed him on the battlefield and has become a 'ea$( doddering old man( utterl& incapable of contending 'ith a brilliant( forceful rascal li$e this /ustrian# M& client ho'e)er is an old friend( one 'ho has $no'n the General intimatel& for man& &ears and ta$en a paternal interest in this &oung girl since she 'ore short froc$s# %e cannot see this traged& consummated 'ithout some attempt to stop it# There is nothing in 'hich Scotland 9ard can act# It 'as his o'n suggestion that &ou should be called in( but it 'as( as I ha)e said( on the express stipulation that he should not be personall& in)ol)ed in the matter# I ha)e no doubt( Mr# %olmes( 'ith &our great po'ers &ou could easil& trace m& client bac$ through me( but I must as$ &ou( as a point of honour( to refrain from doing so( and not to brea$ in upon his incognito#4 %olmes ga)e a 'himsical smile# 4I thin$ I ma& safel& promise that(4 said he# 4I ma& add that &our problem interests me( and that I shall be prepared to loo$ into it# %o' shall I $eep in touch 'ith &ou:4 4The Carlton Club 'ill find me# But in case of emergenc&( there is a pri)ate telephone call( !II#=0#!4 %olmes noted it do'n and sat( still smiling( 'ith the open memorandum-boo$ upon his $nee# 4The Baron!s present address( please:4 4Vernon odge( near Bingston# It is a large house# %e has been fortunate in some rather shad& speculations and is a rich man( 'hich naturall& ma$es him a more dangerous antagonist#4 4Is he at home at present:4 49es#4 4/part from 'hat &ou ha)e told me( can &ou gi)e me an& further information about the man:4 4%e has expensi)e tastes# %e is a horse fancier# *or a short time he pla&ed polo at %urlingham( but then this Prague affair got noised about and he had to lea)e# %e collects boo$s and pictures# %e is a man 'ith a considerable artistic side to his nature# %e is( I belie)e( a recognized authorit& upon Chinese potter& and has 'ritten a boo$ upon the sub;ect#4 4/ complex mind(4 said %olmes# 4/ll great criminals ha)e that# M& old friend Charlie Peace 'as a )iolin )irtuoso# ,ain'right 'as no mean artist# I could <uote man& more# ,ell( Sir Aames( &ou 'ill inform &our client that I am turning m& mind upon Baron Gruner# I can sa& no more# I ha)e some sources of information of m& o'n( and I dare sa& 'e ma& find some means of opening the matter up#4

,hen our )isitor had left us %olmes sat so long in deep thought that it seemed to me that he had forgotten m& presence# /t last( ho'e)er( he came bris$l& bac$ to earth# 4,ell( ,atson( an& )ie's:4 he as$ed# 4I should thin$ &ou had better see the &oung lad& herself#4 4M& dear ,atson( if her poor old bro$en father cannot mo)e her( ho' shall I( a stranger( pre)ail: /nd &et there is something in the suggestion if all else fails# But I thin$ 'e must begin from a different angle# I rather fanc& that Shin'ell Aohnson might be a help#4 I ha)e not had occasion to mention Shin'ell Aohnson in these memoirs because I ha)e seldom dra'n m& cases from the latter phases of m& friend!s career# +uring the first &ears of the centur& he became a )aluable assistant# Aohnson( I grie)e to sa&( made his name first as a )er& dangerous )illain and ser)ed t'o terms at Par$hurst# *inall& he repented and allied himself to %olmes( acting as his agent in the huge criminal under'orld of ondon and obtaining information 'hich often pro)ed to be of )ital importance# %ad Aohnson been a 4nar$4 of the police he 'ould soon ha)e been exposed( but as he dealt 'ith cases 'hich ne)er came directl& into the courts( his acti)ities 'ere ne)er realized b& his companions# ,ith the glamour of his t'o con)ictions upon him( he had the entree of e)er& night-club( doss house( and gamblingden in the to'n( and his <uic$ obser)ation and acti)e brain made him an ideal agent for gaining information# It 'as to him that Sherloc$ %olmes no' proposed to turn# It 'as not possible for me to follo' the immediate steps ta$en b& m& friend( for I had some pressing professional business of m& o'n( but I met him b& appointment that e)ening at Simpson!s( 'here( sitting at a small table in the front 'indo' and loo$ing do'n at the rushing stream of life in the Strand( he told me something of 'hat had passed# 4Aohnson is on the pro'l(4 said he# 4%e ma& pic$ up some garbage in the dar$er recesses of the under'orld( for it is do'n there( amid the blac$ roots of crime( that 'e must hunt for this man!s secrets#4 4But if the lad& 'ill not accept 'hat is alread& $no'n( 'h& should an& fresh disco)er& of &ours turn her from her purpose:4 4,ho $no's( ,atson: ,oman!s heart and mind are insoluble puzzles to the male# Murder might be condoned or explained( and &et some smaller offence might ran$le# Baron Gruner remar$ed to me--4 4%e remar$ed to &ou64 4"h( to be sure( I had not told &ou of m& plans# ,ell( ,atson( I lo)e to come to close grips 'ith m& man# I li$e to meet him e&e to e&e and read for m&self the stuff that he is made of# ,hen I had gi)en Aohnson his instructions I too$ a cab out to Bingston and found the Baron in a most affable mood#4 4+id he recognize &ou:4 4There 'as no difficult& about that( for I simpl& sent in m& card# %e is an excellent antagonist( cool as ice( sil$& )oiced and soothing as one of &our fashionable consultants( and poisonous as a cobra# %e has breeding in him--a real aristocrat of crime 'ith a superficial suggestion of afternoon tea and all the cruelt& of the gra)e behind it# 9es( I am glad to ha)e had m& attention called to Baron /delbert Gruner#4 49ou sa& he 'as affable:4

4/ purring cat 'ho thin$s he sees prospecti)e mice# Some people!s affabilit& is more deadl& than the )iolence of coarser souls# %is greeting 'as characteristic# !I rather thought I should see &ou sooner or later( Mr# %olmes(! said he# !9ou ha)e been engaged( no doubt b& General de Mer)ille( to endea)our to stop m& marriage 'ith his daughter( Violet# That is so( is it not:! 4I ac<uiesced# 4!M& dear man(! said he# !&ou 'ill onl& ruin &our o'n 'ell-deser)ed reputation# It is not a case in 'hich &ou can possibl& succeed# 9ou 'ill ha)e barren 'or$( to sa& nothing of incurring some danger# et me )er& strongl& ad)ise &ou to dra' off at once#! 4!It is curious(! I ans'ered( !but that 'as the )er& ad)ice 'hich I had intended to gi)e &ou# I ha)e a respect for &our brains( Baron( and the little 'hich I ha)e seen of &our personalit& has not lessened it# et me put it to &ou as man to man# 8o one 'ants to ra$e up &our past and ma$e &ou undul& uncomfortable# It is o)er( and &ou are no' in smooth 'aters( but if &ou persist in this marriage &ou 'ill raise up a s'arm of po'erful enemies 'ho 'ill ne)er lea)e &ou alone until the& ha)e made 5ngland too hot to hold &ou# Is the game 'orth it: Surel& &ou 'ould be 'iser if &ou left the lad& alone# It 'ould not be pleasant for &ou if these facts of &our past 'ere brought to her notice#! 4The Baron has little 'axed tips of hair under his nose( li$e the short antennae of an insect# These <ui)ered 'ith amusement as he listened( and he finall& bro$e into a gentle chuc$le# 4!5xcuse m& amusement( Mr# %olmes(! said he( !but it is reall& funn& to see &ou tr&ing to pla& a hand 'ith no cards in it# I don!t thin$ an&one could do it better( but it is rather pathetic all the same# 8ot a colour card there( Mr# %olmes( nothing but the smallest of the small#! 4!So &ou thin$#! 4!So I $no'# et me ma$e the thing clear to &ou( for m& o'n hand is so strong that I can afford to sho' it# I ha)e been fortunate enough to 'in the entire affection of this lad&# This 'as gi)en to me in spite of the fact that I told her )er& clearl& of all the unhapp& incidents in m& past life# I also told her that certain 'ic$ed and designing persons --I hope &ou recognize &ourself-'ould come to her and tell her these things# and I 'arned her ho' to treat them# 9ou ha)e heard of post-h&pnotic suggestion# Mr# %olmes# ,ell &ou 'ill see ho' it 'or$s for a man of personalit& can use h&pnotism 'ithout an& )ulgar passes or tomfooler&# So she is read& for &ou and( I ha)e no doubt( 'ould gi)e &ou an appointment( for she is <uite amenable to her father!s 'ill--sa)e onl& in the one little matter#! 4,ell( ,atson( there seemed to be no more to sa&( so I too$ m& lea)e 'ith as much cold dignit& as I could summon( but( as I had m& hand on the door-handle( he stopped me# 4!B& the 'a&( Mr# %olmes(! said he( !did &ou $no' e Brun( the *rench agent:! 4!9es(! said I# 4!+o &ou $no' 'hat befell him:! 4!I heard that he 'as beaten b& some /paches in the Montmartre district and crippled for life#! 4!Fuite true( Mr# %olmes# B& a curious coincidence he had been in<uiring into m& affairs onl& a 'ee$ before# +on!t do it( Mr# %olmes. it!s not a luc$& thing to do# Se)eral ha)e found that out# M& last 'ord to &ou is( go &our o'n 'a& and let me go mine# Good-b&e6! 4So there &ou are( ,atson# 9ou are up to date no'#4 4The fello' seems dangerous#4

4Might& dangerous# I disregard the blusterer( but this is the sort of man 'ho sa&s rather less than he means#4 4Must &ou interfere: +oes it reall& matter if he marries the girl:4 4Considering that he undoubtedl& murdered his last 'ife( I should sa& it mattered )er& much# Besides( the client6 ,ell( 'ell( 'e need not discuss that# ,hen &ou ha)e finished &our coffee &ou had best come home 'ith me( for the blithe Shin'ell 'ill be there 'ith his report#4 ,e found him sure enough( a huge( coarse( red-faced( scorbutic man( 'ith a pair of )i)id blac$ e&es 'hich 'ere the onl& external sign of the )er& cunning mind 'ithin# It seems that he had di)ed do'n into 'hat 'as peculiarl& his $ingdom( and beside him on the settee 'as a brand 'hich he had brought up in the shape of a slim( flame-li$e &oung 'oman 'ith a pale( intense face( &outhful( and &et so 'orn 'ith sin and sorro' that one read the terrible &ears 'hich had left their leprous mar$ upon her# 4This is Miss Bitt& ,inter(4 said Shin'ell Aohnson( 'a)ing his fat hand as an introduction# 4,hat she don!t $no'--'ell( there( she!ll spea$ for herself# Put m& hand right on her( Mr# %olmes( 'ithin an hour of &our message#4 4I!m eas& to find(4 said the &oung 'oman# 4%ell( ondon( gets me e)er& time# Same address for Por$& Shin'ell# ,e!re old mates( Por$&( &ou and I# But( b& cripes6 there is another 'ho ought to be do'n in a lo'er hell than 'e if there 'as an& ;ustice in the 'orld6 That is the man &ou are after( Mr# %olmes#4 %olmes smiled# 4I gather 'e ha)e &our good 'ishes( Miss ,inter#4 4If I can help to put him 'here he belongs( I!m &ours to the rattle(4 said our )isitor 'ith fierce energ&# There 'as an intensit& of hatred in her 'hite( set face and her blazing e&es such as 'oman seldom and man ne)er can attain# 49ou needn!t go into m& past( Mr# %olmes# That!s neither here nor there# But 'hat I am /delbert Gruner made me# If I could pull him do'n64 She clutched franticall& 'ith her hands into the air# 4"h( if I could onl& pull him into the pit 'here he has pushed so man&64 49ou $no' ho' the matter stands:4 4Por$& Shin'ell has been telling me# %e!s after some other poor fool and 'ants to marr& her this time# 9ou 'ant to stop it# ,ell( &ou surel& $no' enough about this de)il to pre)ent an& decent girl in her senses 'anting to be in the same parish 'ith him#4 4She is not in her senses# She is madl& in lo)e# She has been told all about him# She cares nothing#4 4Told about the murder:4 49es#4 4M& ord( she must ha)e a ner)e64 4She puts them all do'n as slanders#4 4Couldn!t &ou la& proofs before her sill& e&es:4 4,ell( can &ou help us do so:4 4/in!t I a proof m&self: If I stood before her and told her ho' he used me--4 4,ould &ou do this:4

4,ould I: ,ould I not64 4,ell( it might be 'orth tr&ing# But he has told her most of his sins and had pardon from her( and I understand she 'ill not reopen the <uestion#4 4I!ll la& he didn!t tell her all(4 said Miss ,inter# 4I caught a glimpse of one or t'o murders besides the one that made such a fuss# %e 'ould spea$ of someone in his )el)et 'a& and then loo$ at me 'ith a stead& e&e and sa&? !%e died 'ithin a month#! It 'asn!t hot air( either# But I too$ little notice--&ou see( I lo)ed him m&self at that time# ,hate)er he did 'ent 'ith me( same as 'ith this poor fool6 There 'as ;ust one thing that shoo$ me# 9es( b& cripes6 if it had not been for his poisonous( l&ing tongue that explains and soothes# I!d ha)e left him that )er& night# It!s a boo$ he has--a bro'n leather boo$ 'ith a loc$( and his arms in gold on the outside# I thin$ he 'as a bit drun$ that night( or he 'ould not ha)e sho'n it to me#4 4,hat 'as it( then:4 4I tell &ou# Mr# %olmes# this man collects 'omen( and ta$es a pride in his collection# as some men collect moths or butterflies# %e had it all in that boo$# Snapshot photographs# names( details( e)er&thing about them# It 'as a beastl& boo$--a boo$ no man( e)en if he had come from the gutter( could ha)e put together# But it 'as /delbert Gruner!s boo$ all the same# !Souls I ha)e ruined#! %e could ha)e put that on the outside if he had been so minded# %o'e)er( that!s neither here nor there( for the boo$ 'ould not ser)e &ou( and( if it 'ould( &ou can!t get it#4 4,here is it:4 4%o' can I tell &ou 'here it is no': It!s more than a &ear since I left him# I $no' 'here he $ept it then# %e!s a precise( tid& cat of a man in man& of his 'a&s( so ma&be it is still in the pigeon-hole of the old bureau in the inner stud&# +o &ou $no' his house:4 4I!)e been in the stud&(4 said %olmes# 4%a)e &ou# though: 9ou ha)en!t been slo' on the ;ob if &ou onl& started this morning# Ma&be dear /delbert has met his match this time# The outer stud& is the one 'ith the Chinese croc$er& in it--big glass cupboard bet'een the 'indo's# Then behind his des$ is the door that leads to the inner stud&--a small room 'here he $eeps papers and things#4 4Is he not afraid of burglars:4 4/delbert is no co'ard# %is 'orst enem& couldn!t sa& that of him# %e can loo$ after himself# There!s a burglar alarm at night# Besides( 'hat is there for a burglar--unless the& got a'a& 'ith all this fanc& croc$er&:4 48o good(4 said Shin'ell Aohnson 'ith the decided )oice of the expert# 48o fence 'ants stuff of that sort that &ou can neither melt nor sell#4 4Fuite so(4 said %olmes# 4,ell( no'( Miss ,inter# if &ou 'ould call here tomorro' e)ening at fi)e# I 'ould consider in the mean'hile 'hether &our suggestion of seeing this lad& personall& ma& not be arranged# I am exceedingl& obliged to &ou for &our cooperation# I need not sa& that m& clients 'ill consider liberall&--4 48one of that( Mr# %olmes(4 cried the &oung 'oman# 4I am not out for mone&# et me see this man in the mud( and I!)e got all I!)e 'or$ed for --in the mud 'ith m& foot on his cursed face# That!s m& price# I!m 'ith &ou tomorro' or an& other da& so long as &ou are on his trac$# Por$& here can tell &ou al'a&s 'here to find me#4

I did not see %olmes again until the follo'ing e)ening 'hen 'e dined once more at our Strand restaurant# %e shrugged his shoulders 'hen I as$ed him 'hat luc$ he had had in his inter)ie'# Then he told the stor&( 'hich I 'ould repeat in this 'a&# %is hard( dr& statement needs some little editing to soften it into the terms of real life# 4There 'as no difficult& at all about the appointment(4 said %olmes( 4for the girl glories in sho'ing ab;ect filial obedience in all secondar& things in an attempt to atone for her flagrant breach of it in her engagement# The General phoned that all 'as read&( and the fier& Miss ,# turned up according to schedule( so that at half-past fi)e a cab deposited us outside 0CD Ber$ele& S<uare( 'here the old soldier resides--one of those a'ful gra& ondon castles 'hich 'ould ma$e a church seem fri)olous# / footman sho'ed us into a great &ello'-curtained dra'ing-room( and there 'as the lad& a'aiting us( demure( pale( self-contained( as inflexible and remote as a sno' image on a mountain# 4I don!t <uite $no' ho' to ma$e her clear to &ou( ,atson# Perhaps &ou ma& meet her before 'e are through( and &ou can use &our o'n gift of 'ords# She is beautiful( but 'ith the ethereal other-'orld beaut& of some fanatic 'hose thoughts are set on high# I ha)e seen such faces in the pictures of the old masters of the Middle /ges# %o' a beastman could ha)e laid his )ile pa's upon such a being of the be&ond I cannot imagine# 9ou ma& ha)e noticed ho' extremes call to each other( the spiritual to the animal( the ca)e-man to the angel# 9ou ne)er sa' a 'orse case than this# 4She $ne' 'hat 'e had come for( of course--that )illain had lost no time in poisoning her mind against us# Miss ,inter!s ad)ent rather amazed her( I thin$( but she 'a)ed us into our respecti)e chairs li$e a re)erend abbess recei)ing t'o rather leprous mendicants# If &our head is inclined to s'ell# m& dear ,atson( ta$e a course of Miss Violet de Mer)ille# 4!,ell( sir(! said she in a )oice li$e the 'ind from an iceberg( !&our name is familiar to me# 9ou ha)e called# as I understand( to malign m& fiance( Baron Gruner# It is onl& b& m& father!s re<uest that I see &ou at all( and I 'arn &ou in ad)ance that an&thing &ou can sa& could not possibl& ha)e the slightest effect upon m& mind#! 4I 'as sorr& for her( ,atson# I thought of her for the moment as I 'ould ha)e thought of a daughter of m& o'n# I am not often elo<uent# I use m& head( not m& heart# But I reall& did plead 'ith her 'ith all the 'armth of 'ords that I could find in m& nature# I pictured to her the a'ful position of the 'oman 'ho onl& 'a$es to a man!s character after she is his 'ife--a 'oman 'ho has to submit to be caressed b& blood& hands and lecherous lips# I spared her nothing--the shame( the fear( the agon&( the hopelessness of it all# /ll m& hot 'ords could not bring one tinge of colour to those i)or& chee$s or one gleam of emotion to those abstracted e&es# I thought of 'hat the rascal had said about a post-h&pnotic influence# "ne could reall& belie)e that she 'as li)ing abo)e the earth in some ecstatic dream# 9et there 'as nothing indefinite in her replies# 4!I ha)e listened to &ou 'ith patience( Mr# %olmes(! said she# !The effect upon m& mind is exactl& as predicted# I am a'are that /delbert( that m& fiance( has had a storm& life in 'hich he has incurred bitter hatreds and most un;ust aspersions# 9ou are onl& the last of a series 'ho ha)e brought their slanders before me# Possibl& &ou mean 'ell( though I learn that &ou are a paid agent 'ho 'ould ha)e been e<uall& 'illing to act for the Baron as against him# But in an& case I 'ish &ou to understand once for all that I lo)e him and that he lo)es me( and that the opinion of all the 'orld is no more to me than the t'itter of those birds outside the 'indo'# If his noble nature has e)er for an instant fallen( it ma& be that I ha)e been speciall&

sent to raise it to its true and loft& le)el# I am not clear!--here she turned e&es upon m& companion--!'ho this &oung lad& ma& be#! 4I 'as about to ans'er 'hen the girl bro$e in li$e a 'hirl'ind# If e)er &ou sa' flame and ice face to face( it 'as those t'o 'omen# 4!I!ll tell &ou 'ho I am(! she cried( springing out of her chair( her mouth all t'isted 'ith passion--!I am his last mistress# I am one of a hundred that he has tempted and used and ruined and thro'n into the refuse heap( as he 'ill &ou also# 9our refuse heap is more li$el& to be a gra)e( and ma&be that!s the best# I tell &ou( &ou foolish 'oman( if &ou marr& this man he!ll be the death of &ou# It ma& be a bro$en heart or it ma& be a bro$en nec$( but he!ll ha)e &ou one 'a& or the other# It!s not out of lo)e for &ou I!m spea$ing# I don!t care a tin$er!s curse 'hether &ou li)e or die# It!s out of hate for him and to spite him and to get bac$ on him for 'hat he did to me# But it!s all the same( and &ou needn!t loo$ at me li$e that( m& fine lad&( for &ou ma& be lo'er than I am before &ou are through 'ith it#! 4!I should prefer not to discuss such matters(! said Miss de Mer)ille coldl&# ! et me sa& once for all that I am a'are of three passages in m& fiance!s life in 'hich he became entangled 'ith designing 'omen( and that I am assured of his heart& repentance for an& e)il that he ma& ha)e done#! 4!Three passages6! screamed m& companion# !9ou fool6 9ou unutterable fool6! 4!Mr# %olmes( I beg that &ou 'ill bring this inter)ie' to an end(! said the ic& )oice# !I ha)e obe&ed m& father!s 'ish in seeing &ou( but I am not compelled to listen to the ra)ings of this person#! 4,ith an oath Miss ,inter darted for'ard( and if I had not caught her 'rist she 'ould ha)e clutched this maddening 'oman b& the hair# I dragged her to'ards the door and 'as luc$& to get her bac$ into the cab 'ithout a public scene( for she 'as beside herself 'ith rage# In a cold 'a& I felt prett& furious m&self( ,atson( for there 'as something indescribabl& anno&ing in the calm aloofness and supreme self-complaisance of the 'oman 'hom 'e 'ere tr&ing to sa)e# So no' once again &ou $no' exactl& ho' 'e stand( and it is clear that I must plan some fresh opening mo)e( for this gambit 'on!t 'or$# I!ll $eep in touch 'ith &ou( ,atson( for it is more than li$el& that &ou 'ill ha)e &our part to pla&( though it is ;ust possible that the next mo)e ma& lie 'ith them rather than 'ith us#4 /nd it did# Their blo' fell--or his blo' rather( for ne)er could I belie)e that the lad& 'as pri)& to it# I thin$ I could sho' &ou the )er& pa)ing-stone upon 'hich I stood 'hen m& e&es fell upon the placard( and a pang of horror passed through m& )er& soul# It 'as bet'een the Grand %otel and Charing Cross Station( 'here a one-legged ne's-)ender displa&ed his e)ening papers# The date 'as ;ust t'o da&s after the last con)ersation# There( blac$ upon &ello'( 'as the terrible ne's-sheet? M7R+5R"7S /TT/CB 7P"8 S%5R "CB %" M5S I thin$ I stood stunned for some moments# Then I ha)e a confused recollection of snatching at a paper( of the remonstrance of the man( 'hom I had not paid( and( finall&( of standing in the door'a& of a chemist!s shop 'hile I turned up the fateful paragraph# This 'as ho' it ran?
,e learn 'ith regret that Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes( the 'ell-$no'n pri)ate detecti)e( 'as the )ictim this morning of a murderous assault 'hich has left him in a precarious position# There are no exact details to hand( but the e)ent seems to ha)e occurred about t'el)e o!cloc$ in Regent Street( outside the Cafe Ro&al# The attac$ 'as made b& t'o men armed 'ith stic$s( and Mr# %olmes 'as beaten about the head and bod&( recei)ing in;uries 'hich the doctors describe as most serious# %e 'as carried to Charing Cross %ospital and after'ards insisted upon being

ta$en to his rooms in Ba$er Street# The miscreants 'ho attac$ed him appear to ha)e been respectabl& dressed men( 'ho escaped from the b&standers b& passing through the Cafe Ro&al and out into Glasshouse Street behind it# 8o doubt the& belonged to that criminal fraternit& 'hich has so often had occasion to be'ail the acti)it& and ingenuit& of the in;ured man#

I need not sa& that m& e&es had hardl& glanced o)er the paragraph before I had sprung into a hansom and 'as on m& 'a& to Ba$er Street# I found Sir eslie "a$shott( the famous surgeon( in the hall and his brougham 'aiting at the curb# 48o immediate danger(4 'as his report# 4T'o lacerated scalp 'ounds and some considerable bruises# Se)eral stitches ha)e been necessar&# Morphine has been in;ected and <uiet is essential( but an inter)ie' of a fe' minutes 'ould not be absolutel& forbidden#4 ,ith this permission I stole into the dar$ened room# The sufferer 'as 'ide a'a$e( and I heard m& name in a hoarse 'hisper# The blind 'as three-<uarters do'n( but one ra& of sunlight slanted through and struc$ the bandaged head of the in;ured man# / crimson patch had soa$ed through the 'hite linen compress# I sat beside him and bent m& head# 4/ll right( ,atson# +on!t loo$ so scared(4 he muttered in a )er& 'ea$ )oice# 4It!s not as bad as it seems#4 4Than$ God for that64 4I!m a bit of a single-stic$ expert# as &ou $no'# I too$ most of them on m& guard# It 'as the second man that 'as too much for me#4 4,hat can I do( %olmes: "f course( it 'as that damned fello' 'ho set them on# I!ll go and thrash the hide off him if &ou gi)e the 'ord#4 4Good old ,atson6 8o( 'e can do nothing there unless the police la& their hands on the men# But their get-a'a& had been 'ell prepared# ,e ma& be sure of that# ,ait a little# I ha)e m& plans# The first thing is to exaggerate m& in;uries# The&!ll come to &ou for ne's# Put it on thic$( ,atson# uc$& if I li)e the 'ee$ out concussion delirium--'hat &ou li$e6 9ou can!t o)erdo it#4 4But Sir eslie "a$shott:4 4"h( he!s all right# %e shall see the 'orst side of me# I!ll loo$ after that#4 4/n&thing else:4 49es# Tell Shin'ell Aohnson to get that girl out of the 'a&# Those beauties 'ill be after her no'# The& $no'( of course( that she 'as 'ith me in the case# If the& dared to do me in it is not li$el& the& 'ill neglect her# That is urgent# +o it to-night#4 4I!ll go no'# /n&thing more:4 4Put m& pipe on the table--and the tobacco-slipper# Right6 Come in each morning and 'e 'ill plan our campaign#4 I arranged 'ith Aohnson that e)ening to ta$e Miss ,inter to a <uiet suburb and see that she la& lo' until the danger 'as past# *or six da&s the public 'ere under the impression that %olmes 'as at the door of death# The bulletins 'ere )er& gra)e and there 'ere sinister paragraphs in the papers# M& continual )isits assured me that it 'as not so bad as that# %is 'ir& constitution and his determined 'ill 'ere 'or$ing 'onders# %e 'as reco)ering fast( and I had suspicions at times that he 'as reall&

finding himself faster than he pretended e)en to me# There 'as a curious secreti)e strea$ in the man 'hich led to man& dramatic effects( but left e)en his closest friend guessing as to 'hat his exact plans might be# %e pushed to an extreme the axiom that the onl& safe plotter 'as he 'ho plotted alone# I 'as nearer him than an&one else( and &et I 'as al'a&s conscious of the gap bet'een# "n the se)enth da& the stitches 'ere ta$en out( in spite of 'hich there 'as a report of er&sipelas in the e)ening papers# The same e)ening papers had an announcement 'hich I 'as bound( sic$ or 'ell( to carr& to m& friend# It 'as simpl& that among the passengers on the Cunard boat Ruritania( starting from i)erpool on *rida&( 'as the Baron /delbert Gruner( 'ho had some important financial business to settle in the States before his impending 'edding to Miss Violet de Mer)ille( onl& daughter of( etc#( etc# %olmes listened to the ne's 'ith a cold( concentrated loo$ upon his pale face( 'hich told me that it hit him hard# 4*rida&64 he cried# 4"nl& three clear da&s# I belie)e the rascal 'ants to put himself out of danger!s 'a&# But he 'on!t( ,atson6 B& the ord %arr&( he 'on!t6 8o'( ,atson( I 'ant &ou to do something for me#4 4I am here to be used( %olmes#4 4,ell( then( spend the next t'ent&-four hours in an intensi)e stud& of Chinese potter&#4 %e ga)e no explanations and I as$ed for none# B& long experience I had learned the 'isdom of obedience# But 'hen I had left his room I 'al$ed do'n Ba$er Street( re)ol)ing in m& head ho' on earth I 'as to carr& out so strange an order# *inall& I dro)e to the ondon ibrar& in St# Aames!s S<uare( put the matter to m& friend omax( the sublibrarian( and departed to m& rooms 'ith a goodl& )olume under m& arm# It is said that the barrister 'ho crams up a case 'ith such care that he can examine an expert 'itness upon the Monda& has forgotten all his forced $no'ledge before the Saturda&# Certainl& I should not li$e no' to pose as an authorit& upon ceramics# /nd &et all that e)ening( and all that night 'ith a short inter)al for rest( and all next morning( I 'as suc$ing in $no'ledge and committing names to memor&# There I learned of the hall-mar$s of the great artist-decorators( of the m&ster& of c&clical dates( the mar$s of the %ung-'u and the beauties of the 9ung-lo( the 'ritings of Tang-&ing( and the glories of the primiti)e period of the Sung and the 9uan# I 'as charged 'ith all this information 'hen I called upon %olmes next e)ening# %e 'as out of bed no'( though &ou 'ould not ha)e guessed it from the published reports( and he sat 'ith his much-bandaged head resting upon his hand in the depth of his fa)ourite armchair# 4,h&( %olmes(4 I said( 4if one belie)ed the papers( &ou are d&ing#4 4That(4 said he( 4is the )er& impression 'hich I intended to con)e&# /nd no'( ,atson( ha)e &ou learned &our lessons:4 4/t least I ha)e tried to#4 4Good# 9ou could $eep up an intelligent con)ersation on the sub;ect:4 4I belie)e I could#4 4Then hand me that little box from the mantelpiece#4 %e opened the lid and too$ out a small ob;ect most carefull& 'rapped in some fine 5astern sil$# This he unfolded( and disclosed a delicate little saucer of the most beautiful deep-blue colour#

4It needs careful handling( ,atson# This is the real egg-shell potter& of the Ming d&nast&# 8o finer piece e)er passed through Christie!s# / complete set of this 'ould be 'orth a $ing!s ransom--in fact( it is doubtful if there is a complete set outside the imperial palace of Pe$ing# The sight of this 'ould dri)e a real connoisseur 'ild#4 4,hat am I to do 'ith it:4 %olmes handed me a card upon 'hich 'as printed? 4+r# %ill Barton( =>3 %alf Moon Street#4 4That is &our name for the e)ening( ,atson# 9ou 'ill call upon Baron Gruner# I $no' something of his habits( and at half-past eight he 'ould probabl& be disengaged# / note 'ill tell him in ad)ance that &ou are about to call( and &ou 'ill sa& that &ou are bringing him a specimen of an absolutel& uni<ue set of Ming china# 9ou ma& as 'ell be a medical man( since that is a part 'hich &ou can pla& 'ithout duplicit&# 9ou are a collector this set has come &our 'a&( &ou ha)e heard of the Baron!s interest in the sub;ect( and &ou are not a)erse to selling at a price#4 4,hat price:4 4,ell as$ed( ,atson# 9ou 'ould certainl& fall do'n badl& if &ou did not $no' the )alue of &our o'n 'ares# This saucer 'as got for me b& Sir Aames( and comes( I understand( from the collection of his client# 9ou 'ill not exaggerate if &ou sa& that it could hardl& be matched in the 'orld#4 4I could perhaps suggest that the set should be )alued b& an expert#4 45xcellent( ,atson6 9ou scintillate to-da&# Suggest Christie or Sotheb&# 9our delicac& pre)ents &our putting a price for &ourself#4 4But if he 'on!t see me:4 4"h( &es( he 'ill see &ou# %e has the collection mania in its most acute form--and especiall& on this sub;ect( on 'hich he is an ac$no'ledged authorit&# Sit do'n( ,atson( and I 'ill dictate the letter# 8o ans'er needed# 9ou 'ill merel& sa& that &ou are coming( and 'h&#4 It 'as an admirable document( short( courteous( and stimulating to the curiosit& of the connoisseur# / district messenger 'as dul& dispatched 'ith it# "n the same e)ening( 'ith the precious saucer in m& hand and the card of +r# %ill Barton in m& poc$et( I set off on m& o'n ad)enture# The beautiful house and grounds indicated that Baron Gruner 'as( as Sir Aames had said( a man of considerable 'ealth# / long 'inding dri)e( 'ith ban$s of rare shrubs on either side( opened out into a great gra)elled s<uare adorned 'ith statues# The place had been built b& a South /frican gold $ing in the da&s of the great boom( and the long( lo' house 'ith the turrets at the corners( though an architectural nightmare( 'as imposing in its size and solidit&# / butler( 'ho 'ould ha)e adorned a bench of bishops( sho'ed me in and handed me o)er to a plush-clad footman( 'ho ushered me into the Baron!s presence# %e 'as standing at the open front of a great case 'hich stood bet'een the 'indo's and 'hich contained part of his Chinese collection# %e turned as I entered 'ith a small bro'n )ase in his hand# 4Pra& sit do'n( +octor(4 said he# 4I 'as loo$ing o)er m& o'n treasures and 'ondering 'hether I could reall& afford to add to them# This little Tang specimen( 'hich dates from the se)enth centur&( 'ould probabl& interest &ou# I am sure &ou ne)er sa' finer 'or$manship or a richer glaze# %a)e &ou the Ming saucer 'ith &ou of 'hich &ou spo$e:4

I carefull& unpac$ed it and handed it to him# %e seated himself at his des$( pulled o)er the lamp( for it 'as gro'ing dar$( and set himself to examine it# /s he did so the &ello' light beat upon his o'n features( and I 'as able to stud& them at m& ease# %e 'as certainl& a remar$abl& handsome man# %is 5uropean reputation for beaut& 'as full& deser)ed# In figure he 'as not more than of middle size( but 'as built upon graceful and acti)e lines# %is face 'as s'arth&( almost "riental( 'ith large( dar$( languorous e&es 'hich might easil& hold an irresistible fascination for 'omen# %is hair and moustache 'ere ra)en blac$( the latter short( pointed( and carefull& 'axed# %is features 'ere regular and pleasing( sa)e onl& his straight( thin-lipped mouth# If e)er I sa' a murderer!s mouth it 'as there--a cruel( hard gash in the face( compressed( inexorable( and terrible# %e 'as ill-ad)ised to train his moustache a'a& from it( for it 'as 8ature!s danger-signal( set as a 'arning to his )ictims# %is )oice 'as engaging and his manners perfect# In age I should ha)e put him at little o)er thirt&( though his record after'ards sho'ed that he 'as fort&-t'o# 4Ver& fine--)er& fine indeed64 he said at last# 4/nd &ou sa& &ou ha)e a set of six to correspond# ,hat puzzles me is that I should not ha)e heard of such magnificent specimens# I onl& $no' of one in 5ngland to match this( and it is certainl& not li$el& to be in the mar$et# ,ould it be indiscreet if I 'ere to as$ &ou( +r# %ill Barton( ho' &ou obtained this:4 4+oes it reall& matter:4 I as$ed 'ith as careless an air as I could muster# 49ou can see that the piece is genuine( and( as to the )alue( I am content to ta$e an expert!s )aluation#4 4Ver& m&sterious(4 said he 'ith a <uic$( suspicious flash of his dar$ e&es# 4In dealing 'ith ob;ects of such )alue( one naturall& 'ishes to $no' all about the transaction# That the piece is genuine is certain# I ha)e no doubts at all about that# But suppose--I am bound to ta$e e)er& possibilit& into account--that it should pro)e after'ards that &ou had no right to sell:4 4I 'ould guarantee &ou against an& claim of the son#4 4That( of course( 'ould open up the <uestion as to 'hat &our guarantee 'as 'orth#4 4M& ban$ers 'ould ans'er that#4 4Fuite so# /nd &et the 'hole transaction stri$es me as rather unusual#4 49ou can do business or not(4 said I 'ith indifference# 4I ha)e gi)en &ou the first offer as I understood that &ou 'ere a connoisseur( but I shall ha)e no difficult& in other <uaerers#4 4,ho told &ou I 'as a connoisseur:4 4I 'as a'are that &ou had 'ritten a boo$ upon the sub;ect#4 4%a)e &ou read the boo$:4 48o#4 4+ear me( this becomes more and more difficult for me to understand6 9ou are a connoisseur and collector 'ith a )er& )aluable piece in &our collection( and &et &ou ha)e ne)er troubled to consult the one boo$ 'hich 'ould ha)e told &ou of the real meaning and )alue of 'hat &ou held# %o' do &ou explain that:4 4I am a )er& bus& man# I am a doctor in practice#4 4That is no ans'er# If a man has a hobb& he follo's it up( 'hate)er his other pursuits ma& be# 9ou said in &our note that &ou 'ere a connoisseur#4

4So I am#4 4Might I as$ &ou a fe' <uestions to test &ou: I am obliged to tell &ou( +octor--if &ou are indeed a doctor--that the incident becomes more and more suspicious# I 'ould as$ &ou 'hat do &ou $no' of the 5mperor Shomu and ho' do &ou associate him 'ith the Shoso-in near 8ara: +ear me( does that puzzle &ou: Tell me a little about the 8onhern ,ei d&nast& and its place in the histor& of ceramics#4 I sprang from m& chair in simulated anger# 4This is intolerable( sir(4 said I# 4I came here to do &ou a fa)our( and not to be examined as if I 'ere a schoolbo&# M& $no'ledge on these sub;ects ma& be second onl& to &our o'n( but I certainl& shall not ans'er <uestions 'hich ha)e been put in so offensi)e a 'a&#4 %e loo$ed at me steadil&# The languor had gone from his e&es# The& suddenl& glared# There 'as a gleam of teeth from bet'een those cruel lips# 4,hat is the game: 9ou are here as a sp&# 9ou are an emissar& of %olmes# This is a tric$ that &ou are pla&ing upon me# The fello' is d&ing I hear( so he sends his tools to $eep 'atch upon me# 9ou!)e made &our 'a& in here 'ithout lea)e( and( b& God6 &ou ma& find it harder to get out than to get in#4 %e had sprung to his feet( and I stepped bac$( bracing m&self for an attac$( for the man 'as beside himself 'ith rage# %e ma& ha)e suspected me from the first. certainl& this crossexamination had sho'n him the truth. but it 'as clear that I could not hope to decei)e him# %e di)ed his hand into a side-dra'er and rummaged furiousl&# Then something struc$ upon his ear( for he stood listening intentl&# 4/h64 he cried# 4/h64 and dashed into the room behind him# T'o steps too$ me to the open door( and m& mind 'ill e)er carr& a clear picture of the scene 'ithin# The 'indo' leading out to the garden 'as 'ide open# Beside it( loo$ing li$e some terrible ghost( his head gin 'ith blood& bandages( his face dra'n and 'hite( stood Sherloc$ %olmes# The next instant he 'as through the gap( and I heard the crash of his bod& among the laurel bushes outside# ,ith a ho'l of rage the master of the house rushed after him to the open 'indo'# /nd then6 It 'as done in an instant( and &et I clearl& sa' it# /n arm --a 'oman!s arm--shot out from among the lea)es# /t the same instant the Baron uttered a horrible cr&--a &ell 'hich 'ill al'a&s ring in m& memor&# %e clapped his t'o hands to his face and rushed round the room( beating his head horribl& against the 'alls# Then he fell upon the carpet( rolling and 'rithing( 'hile scream after scream resounded through the house# 4,ater6 *or God!s sa$e( 'ater64 'as his cr&# I seized a carafe from a side-table and rushed to his aid# /t the same moment the butler and se)eral footmen ran in from the hall# I remember that one of them fainted as I $nelt b& the in;ured man and turned that a'ful face to the light of the lamp# The )itriol 'as eating into it e)er&'here and dripping from the ears and the chin# "ne e&e 'as alread& 'hite and glazed# The other 'as red and inflamed# The features 'hich I had admired a fe' minutes before 'ere no' li$e some beautiful painting o)er 'hich the artist has passed a 'et and foul sponge# The& 'ere blurred( discoloured( inhuman( terrible# In a fe' 'ords I explained exactl& 'hat had occurred( so far as the )itriol attac$ 'as concerned# Some had climbed through the 'indo' and others had rushed out on to the la'n(

but it 'as dar$ and it had begun to rain# Bet'een his screams the )ictim raged and ra)ed against the a)enger# 4It 'as that hell-cat( Bitt& ,inter64 he cried# 4"h( the she-de)il6 She shall pa& for it6 She shall pa&6 "h( God in hea)en( this pain is more than I can bear64 I bathed his face in oil( put cotton 'adding on the ra' surfaces( and administered a h&podermic of morphia# /ll suspicion of me had passed from his mind in the presence of this shoc$( and he clung to m& hands as if I might ha)e the po'er e)en &et to clear those deadfish e&es 'hich glazed up at me# I could ha)e 'ept o)er the ruin had l not remembered )er& clearl& the )ile life 'hich had led up to so hideous a change# It 'as loathsome to feel the pa'ing of his burning hands( and I 'as relie)ed 'hen his famil& surgeon( closel& follo'ed b& a specialist( came to relie)e me of m& charge# /n inspector of police had also arri)ed( and to him I handed m& real card# It 'ould ha)e been useless as 'ell as foolish to do other'ise( for I 'as nearl& as 'ell $no'n b& sight at the 9ard as %olmes himself# Then I left that house of gloom and terror# ,ithin an hour I 'as at Ba$er Street# %olmes 'as seated in his familiar chair( loo$ing )er& pale and exhausted# /part from his in;uries( e)en his iron ner)es had been shoc$ed b& the e)ents of the e)ening( and he listened 'ith horror to m& account of the Baron!s transformation# 4The 'ages of sin( ,atson--the 'ages of sin64 said he# 4Sooner or later it 'ill al'a&s come# God $no's( there 'as sin enough(4 he added( ta$ing up a bro'n )olume from the table# 4%ere is the boo$ the 'oman tal$ed of# If this 'ill not brea$ off the marriage( nothing e)er could# But it 'ill( ,atson# It must# 8o self-respecting 'oman could stand it#4 4It is his lo)e diar&:4 4"r his lust diar&# Call it 'hat &ou 'ill# The moment the 'oman told us of it I realized 'hat a tremendous 'eapon 'as there if 'e could but la& our hands on it# I said nothing at the time to indicate m& thoughts( for this 'oman might ha)e gi)en it a'a&# But I brooded o)er it# Then this assault upon me ga)e me the chance of letting the Baron thin$ that no precautions need be ta$en against me# That 'as all to the good# I 'ould ha)e 'aited a little longer( but his )isit to /merica forced m& hand# %e 'ould ne)er ha)e left so compromising a document behind him# Therefore 'e had to act at once# Burglar& at night is impossible# %e ta$es precautions# But there 'as a chance in the e)ening if I could onl& be sure that his attention 'as engaged# That 'as 'here &ou and &our blue saucer came in# But I had to be sure of the position of the boo$( and I $ne' I had onl& a fe' minutes in 'hich to act( for m& time 'as limited b& &our $no'ledge of Chinese potter&# Therefore I gathered the girl up at the last moment# %o' could I guess 'hat the little pac$et 'as that she carried so carefull& under her cloa$: I thought she had come altogether on m& business( but it seems she had some of her o'n#4 4%e guessed I came from &ou#4 4I feared he 'ould# But &ou held him in pla& ;ust long enough for me to get the boo$( though not long enough for an unobser)ed escape# /h( Sir Aames( I am )er& glad &ou ha)e come64 "ur courtl& friend had appeared in ans'er to a pre)ious summons# %e listened 'ith the deepest attention to %olmes!s account of 'hat had occurred# 49ou ha)e done 'onders--'onders64 he cried 'hen he had heard the narrati)e# 4But if these in;uries are as terrible as +r# ,atson describes( then surel& our purpose of th'arting the marriage is sufficientl& gained 'ithout the use of this horrible boo$#4 %olmes shoo$ his head#

4,omen of the +e Mer)ille t&pe do not act li$e that# She 'ould lo)e him the more as a disfigured mart&r# 8o( no# It is his moral side( not his ph&sical( 'hich 'e ha)e to destro&# That boo$ 'ill bring her bac$ to earth--and I $no' nothing else that could# It is in his o'n 'riting# She cannot get past it#4 Sir Aames carried a'a& both it and the precious saucer# /s I 'as m&self o)erdue( I 'ent do'n 'ith him into the street# / brougham 'as 'aiting for him# %e sprang in( ga)e a hurried order to the coc$aded coachman( and dro)e s'iftl& a'a&# %e flung his o)ercoat half out of the 'indo' to co)er the armorial bearings upon the panel( but I had seen them in the glare of our fanlight none the less# I gasped 'ith surprise# Then I turned bac$ and ascended the stair to %olmes!s room# 4I ha)e found out 'ho our client is(4 I cried( bursting 'ith m& great ne's# 4,h&( %olmes( it is--4 4It is a lo&al friend and a chi)alrous gentleman(4 said %olmes( holding up a restraining hand# 4 et that no' and fore)er be enough for us#4 I do not $no' ho' the incriminating boo$ 'as used# Sir Aames ma& ha)e managed it# "r it is more probable that so delicate a tas$ 'as entrusted to the &oung lad&!s father# The effect( at an& rate( 'as all that could be desired# Three da&s later appeared a paragraph in the Morning Post to sa& that the marriage bet'een Baron /delbert Gruner and Miss Violet de Mer)ille 'ould not ta$e place# The same paper had the first police-court hearing of the proceedings against Miss Bitt& ,inter on the gra)e charge of )itriol-thro'ing# Such extenuating circumstances came out in the trial that the sentence( as 'ill be remembered 'as the lo'est that 'as possible for such an offence# Sherloc$ %olmes 'as threatened 'ith a prosecution for burglar&( but 'hen an ob;ect is good and a client is sufficientl& illustrious( e)en the rigid British la' becomes human and elastic# M& friend has not &et stood in the doc$#

ADVENTURE V ! THE ADVENTURE OF THE $%ANCHED SO%D ER

The ideas of m& friend ,atson( though limited( are exceedingl& pertinacious# *or a long time he has 'orried me to 'rite an experience of m& o'n# Perhaps I ha)e rather in)ited this persecution( since I ha)e often had occasion to point out to him ho' superficial are his o'n accounts and to accuse him of pandering to popular taste instead of confining himself rigidl& to facts and figures# 4Tr& it &ourself( %olmes64 he has retorted( and I am compelled to admit that( ha)ing ta$en m& pen in m& hand( I do begin to realize that the matter must be presented in such a 'a& as ma& interest the reader# The follo'ing case can hardl& fail to do so( as it is among the strangest happenings in m& collection though it chanced that ,atson had no note of it in his collection# Spea$ing of m& old friend and biographer( I 'ould ta$e this opportunit& to remar$ that if I burden m&self 'ith a companion in m& )arious little in<uiries it is not done out of sentiment or caprice( but it is that ,atson has some remar$able characteristics of his o'n to 'hich in his modest& he has gi)en small attention amid his exaggerated estimates of m& o'n performances# / confederate 'ho foresees &our conclusions and course of action is al'a&s dangerous( but one to 'hom each de)elopment comes as a perpetual surprise( and to 'hom the future is al'a&s a closed boo$( is indeed an ideal helpmate# I find from m& noteboo$ that it 'as in Aanuar&( 03C=( ;ust after the conclusion of the Boer ,ar( that I had m& )isit from Mr# Aames M# +odd( a big( fresh( sunburned( upstanding Briton# The

good ,atson had at that time deserted me for a 'ife( the onl& selfish action 'hich I can recall in our association# I 'as alone# It is m& habit to sit 'ith m& bac$ to the 'indo' and to place m& )isitors in the opposite chair( 'here the light falls full upon them# Mr# Aames M# +odd seemed some'hat at a loss ho' to begin the inter)ie'# I did not attempt to help him( for his silence ga)e me more time for obser)ation# I ha)e found it 'ise to impress clients 'ith a sense of po'er( and so I ga)e him some of m& conclusions# 4*rom South /frica( sir( I percei)e#4 49es( sir(4 he ans'ered( 'ith some surprise# 4Imperial 9eomanr&( I fanc&#4 45xactl&#4 4Middlesex Corps( no doubt#4 4That is so# Mr# %olmes( &ou are a 'izard#4 I smiled at his be'ildered expression# 4,hen a gentleman of )irile appearance enters m& room 'ith such tan upon his face as an 5nglish sun could ne)er gi)e( and 'ith his hand$erchief in his slee)e instead of in his poc$et( it is not difficult to place him# 9ou 'ear a short beard( 'hich sho's that &ou 'ere not a regular# 9ou ha)e the cut of a riding-man# /s to Middlesex( &our card has alread& sho'n me that &ou are a stoc$bro$er from Throgmorton Street# ,hat other regiment 'ould &ou ;oin:4 49ou see e)er&thing#4 4I see no more than &ou( but I ha)e trained m&self to notice 'hat I see# %o'e)er( Mr# +odd( it 'as not to discuss the science of obser)ation that &ou called upon me this morning# ,hat has been happening at Tuxbur& "ld Par$:4 4Mr# %olmes--64 4M& dear sir( there is no m&ster&# 9our letter came 'ith that heading( and as &ou fixed this appointment in )er& pressing terms it 'as clear that something sudden and important had occurred#4 49es( indeed# But the letter 'as 'ritten in the afternoon( and a good deal has happened since then# If Colonel 5ms'orth had not $ic$ed me out --4 4Bic$ed &ou out64 4,ell( that 'as 'hat it amounted to# %e is a hard nail( is Colonel 5ms'orth# The greatest martinet in the /rm& in his da&( and it 'as a da& of rough language( too# I couldn!t ha)e stuc$ the colonel if it had not been for Godfre&!s sa$e#4 I lit m& pipe and leaned bac$ in m& chair# 4Perhaps &ou 'ill explain 'hat &ou are tal$ing about#4 M& client grinned mischie)ousl&# 4I had got into the 'a& of supposing that &ou $ne' e)er&thing 'ithout being told(4 said he# 4But I 'ill gi)e &ou the facts( and I hope to God that &ou 'ill be able to tell me 'hat the& mean# I!)e been a'a$e all night puzzling m& brain( and the more I thin$ the more incredible does it become#

4,hen I ;oined up in Aanuar&( 03C0--;ust t'o &ears ago--&oung Godfre& 5ms'orth had ;oined the same s<uadron# %e 'as Colonel 5ms'orth!s onl& son--5ms'orth the Crimean V# C#--and he had the fighting blood in him( so it is no 'onder he )olunteered# There 'as not a finer lad in the regiment# ,e formed a friendship--the sort of friendship 'hich can onl& be made 'hen one li)es the same life and shares the same ;o&s and sorro's# %e 'as m& mate--and that means a good deal in the /rm&# ,e too$ the rough and the smooth together for a &ear of hard fighting# Then he 'as hit 'ith a bullet from an elephant gun in the action near +iamond %ill outside-Pretoria# I got one letter from the hospital at Cape To'n and one from Southampton# Since then not a 'ord--not one 'ord( Mr# %olmes( for six months and more( and he m& closest pal# 4,ell( 'hen the 'ar 'as o)er( and 'e all got bac$( I 'rote to his father and as$ed 'here Godfre& 'as# 8o ans'er# I 'aited a bit and then I 'rote again# This time I had a repl&( short and gruff# Godfre& had gone on a )o&age round the 'orld( and it 'as not li$el& that he 'ould be bac$ for a &ear# That 'as all# 4I 'asn!t satisfied( Mr# %olmes# The 'hole thing seemed to me so damned unnatural# %e 'as a good lad( and he 'ould not drop a pal li$e that# It 'as not li$e him# Then( again( I happened to $no' that he 'as heir to a lot of mone&( and also that his father and he did not al'a&s hit it off too 'ell# The old man 'as sometimes a bull&( and &oung Godfre& had too much spirit to stand it# 8o( I 'asn!t satisfied( and I determined that I 'ould get to the root of the matter# It happened( ho'e)er( that m& o'n affairs needed a lot of straightening out( after t'o &ears! absence( and so it is onl& this 'ee$ that I ha)e been able to ta$e up Godfre&!s case again# But since I ha)e ta$en it up I mean to drop e)er&thing in order to see it through#4 Mr# Aames M# +odd appeared to be the sort of person 'hom it 'ould be better to ha)e as a friend than as an enem&# %is blue e&es 'ere stern and his s<uare ;a' had set hard as he spo$e# 4,ell( 'hat ha)e &ou done:4 I as$ed# 4M& first mo)e 'as to get do'n to his home( Tuxbur& "ld Par$( near Bedford( and to see for m&self ho' the ground la&# I 'rote to the mother( therefore--I had had <uite enough of the curmudgeon of a father--and I made a clean frontal attac$? Godfre& 'as m& chum( I had a great deal of interest 'hich I might tell her of our common experiences( I should be in the neighbourhood( 'ould there be an& ob;ection( et cetera: In repl& I had <uite an amiable ans'er from her and an offer to put me up for the night# That 'as 'hat too$ me do'n on Monda&# 4Tuxbur& "ld %all is inaccessible--fi)e miles from an&'here# There 'as no trap at the station( so I had to 'al$( carr&ing m& suitcase( and it 'as nearl& dar$ before I arri)ed# It is a great 'andering house( standing in a considerable par$# I should ;udge it 'as of all sorts of ages and st&les( starting on a half-timbered 5lizabethan foundation and ending in a Victorian portico# Inside it 'as all panelling and tapestr& and half-effaced old pictures( a house of shado's and m&ster&# There 'as a butler( old Ralph( 'ho seemed about the same age as the house( and there 'as his 'ife( 'ho might ha)e been older# She had been Godfre&!s nurse( and I had heard him spea$ of her as second onl& to his mother in his affections( so I 'as dra'n to her in spite of her <ueer appearance# The mother I li$ed also--a gentle little 'hite mouse of a 'oman# It 'as onl& the colonel himself 'hom I barred# 4,e had a bit of barne& right a'a&( and I should ha)e 'al$ed bac$ to the station if I had not felt that it might be pla&ing his game for me to do so# I 'as sho'n straight into his stud&( and there I found him( a huge( bo'-bac$ed man 'ith a smo$& s$in and a straggling gra& beard(

seated behind his littered des$# / red-)eined nose ;utted out li$e a )ulture!s bea$( and t'o fierce gra& e&es glared at me from under tufted bro's# I could understand no' 'h& Godfre& seldom spo$e of his father# 4!,ell( sir(! said he in a rasping )oice( !I should be interested to $no' the real reasons for this )isit#! 4I ans'ered that I had explained them in m& letter to his 'ife# 4!9es( &es( &ou said that &ou had $no'n Godfre& in /frica# ,e ha)e( of course( onl& &our 'ord for that#! 4!I ha)e his letters to me in m& poc$et#! 4!Bindl& let me see them#! 4%e glanced at the t'o 'hich I handed him( and then he tossed them bac$# 4!,ell( 'hat then:! he as$ed# 4!I 'as fond of &our son Godfre&( sir# Man& ties and memories united us# Is it not natural that I should 'onder at his sudden silence and should 'ish to $no' 'hat has become of him:! 4!I ha)e some recollections( sir( that I had alread& corresponded 'ith &ou and had told &ou 'hat had become of him# %e has gone upon a )o&age round the 'orld# %is health 'as in a poor 'a& after his /frican experiences( and both his mother and I 'ere of opinion that camplete rest and change 'ere needed# Bindl& pass that explanation on to an& other friends 'ho ma& be interested in the matter#! 4!Certainl&(! I ans'ered# !But perhaps &ou 'ould ha)e the goodness to let me ha)e the name of the steamer and of the line b& 'hich he sailed( together 'ith the date# I ha)e no doubt that I should be able to get a letter through to him#! 4M& re<uest seemed both to puzzle and to irritate m& host# %is great e&ebro's came do'n o)er his e&es( and he tapped his fingers impatientl& on the table# %e loo$ed up at last 'ith the expression of one 'ho has seen his ad)ersar& ma$e a dangerous mo)e at chess( and has decided ho' to meet it# 4!Man& people( Mr# +odd(! said he( !'ould ta$e offence at &our infernal pertinacit& and 'ould thin$ that this insistence had reached the point of damned impertinence#! 4!9ou must put it do'n( sir( to m& real lo)e for &our son#! 4!5xactl&# I ha)e alread& made e)er& allo'ance upon that score# I must as$ &ou( ho'e)er( to drop these in<uiries# 5)er& famil& has its o'n inner $no'ledge and its o'n moti)es( 'hich cannot al'a&s be made clear to outsiders( ho'e)er 'ell-intentioned# M& 'ife is anxious to hear something of Godfre&!s past 'hich &ou are in a position to tell her( but I 'ould as$ &ou to let the present and the future alone# Such in<uiries ser)e no useful purpose( sir( and place us in a delicate and difficult position#! 4So I came to a dead end( Mr# %olmes# There 'as no getting past it# I could onl& pretend to accept the situation and register a )o' in'ardl& that I 'ould ne)er rest until m& friend!s fate had been cleared up# It 'as a dull e)ening# ,e dined <uietl&( the three of us( in a gloom&( faded old room# The lad& <uestioned me eagerl& about her son( but the old man seemed morose and depressed# I 'as so bored b& the 'hole proceeding that I made an excuse as soon as I decentl& could and retired to m& bedroom# It 'as a large( bare room on the ground floor( as gloom& as the rest of the house( but after a &ear of sleeping upon the )eldt( Mr#

%olmes( one is not too particular about one!s <uarters# I opened the curtains and loo$ed out into the garden( remar$ing that it 'as a fine night 'ith a bright half-moon# Then I sat do'n b& the roaring fire 'ith the lamp on a table beside me( and endea)oured to distract m& mind 'ith a no)el# I 'as interrupted( ho'e)er( b& Ralph( the old butler( 'ho came in 'ith a fresh suppl& of coals# 4!I thought &ou might run short in the night-time( sir# It is bitter 'eather and these rooms are cold#! 4%e hesitated before lea)ing the room( and 'hen I loo$ed round he 'as standing facing me 'ith a 'istful loo$ upon his 'rin$led face# 4!Beg &our pardon( sir( but I could not help hearing 'hat &ou said of &oung Master Godfre& at dinner# 9ou $no'( sir( that m& 'ife nursed him( and so I ma& sa& I am his foster-father# It!s natural 'e should ta$e an interest# /nd &ou sa& he carried himself 'ell( sir:! 4!There 'as no bra)er man in the regiment# %e pulled me out once from under the rifles of the Boers( or ma&be I should not be here#! 4The old butler rubbed his s$inn& hands# 4!9es( sir( &es( that is Master Godfre& all o)er# %e 'as al'a&s courageous# There!s not a tree in the par$( sir( that he has not climbed# 8othing 'ould stop him# %e 'as a fine bo&--and oh( sir( he 'as a fine man#! 4I sprang to m& feet# 4! oo$ here6! I cried# !9ou sa& he 'as# 9ou spea$ as if he 'ere dead# ,hat is all this m&ster&: ,hat has become of Godfre& 5ms'orth:! 4I gripped the old man b& the shoulder( but he shran$ a'a&# 4!I don!t $no' 'hat &ou mean( sir# /s$ the master about Master Godfre&# %e $no's# It is not for me to interfere#! 4%e 'as lea)ing the room( but I held his arm 4! isten(! I said# !9ou are going to ans'er one <uestion before &ou lea)e if I ha)e to hold &ou all night# Is Godfre& dead:4 4%e could not face m& e&es# %e 'as li$e a man h&pnotized The ans'er 'as dragged from his lips# It 'as a terrible and unexpected one# 4!I 'ish to God he 'as6! he cried( and( tearing himself free he dashed from the room# 49ou 'ill thin$( Mr# %olmes( that I returned to m& chair in no )er& happ& state of mind# The old man!s 'ords seemed to me to bear onl& one interpretation# Clearl& m& poor friend had become in)ol)ed in some criminal or( at the least( disreputable transaction 'hich touched the famil& honour# That stern old man had sent his son a'a& and hidden him from the 'orld lest some scandal should come to light# Godfre& 'as a rec$less fello'# %e 'as easil& influenced b& those around him# 8o doubt he had fallen into bad hands and been misled to his ruin# It 'as a piteous business( if it 'as indeed so( but e)en no' it 'as m& dut& to hunt him out and see if I could aid him# I 'as anxiousl& pondering the matter 'hen I loo$ed up( and there 'as Godfre& 5ms'orth standing before me#4 M& client had paused as one in deep emotion# 4Pra& continue(4 I said# 49our problem presents some )er& unusual features#4

4%e 'as outside the 'indo'( Mr# %olmes( 'ith his face pressed against the glass# I ha)e told &ou that I loo$ed out at the night# ,hen I did so I left the curtains partl& open# %is figure 'as framed in this gap# The 'indo' came do'n to the ground and I could see the 'hole length of it( but it 'as his face 'hich held m& gaze# %e 'as deadl& pale--ne)er ha)e I seen a man so 'hite# I rec$on ghosts ma& loo$ li$e that. but his e&es met mine( and the& 'ere the e&es of a li)ing man# %e sprang bac$ 'hen he sa' that I 'as loo$ing at him( and he )anished into the dar$ness# 4There 'as something shoc$ing about the man( Mr# %olmes# It 'asn!t merel& that ghastl& face glimmering as 'hite as cheese in the dar$ness# It 'as more subtle than that--something slin$ing( something furti)e( something guilt&--something )er& unli$e the fran$( manl& lad that I had $no'n# It left a feeling of horror in m& mind# 4But 'hen a man has been soldiering for a &ear or t'o 'ith brother Boer as a pla&mate( he $eeps his ner)e and acts <uic$l&# Godfre& had hardl& )anished before I 'as at the 'indo'# There 'as an a'$'ard catch( and I 'as some little time before I could thro' it up# Then I nipped through and ran do'n the garden path in the direction that I thought he might ha)e ta$en# 4It 'as a long path and the light 'as not )er& good( but it seemed to me something 'as mo)ing ahead of me# I ran on and called his name( but it 'as no use# ,hen I got to the end of the path there 'ere se)eral others branching in different directions to )arious outhouses# I stood hesitating( and as I did so I heard distinctl& the sound of a closing door# It 'as not behind me in the house( but ahead of me( some'here in the dar$ness# That 'as enough( Mr# %olmes( to assure me that 'hat I had seen 'as not a )ision# Godfre& had run a'a& from me( and he had shut a door behind him# "f that I 'as certain# 4There 'as nothing more I could do( and I spent an uneas& night turning the matter o)er in m& mind and tr&ing to find some theor& 'hich 'ould co)er the facts# 8ext da& I found the colonel rather more conciliator&( and as his 'ife remar$ed that there 'ere some places of interest in the neighbourhood( it ga)e me an opening to as$ 'hether m& presence for one more night 'ould incommode them# / some'hat grudging ac<uiescence from the old man ga)e me a clear da& in 'hich to ma$e m& obser)ations# I 'as alread& perfectl& con)inced that Godfre& 'as in hiding some'here near( but 'here and 'h& remained to be sol)ed# 4The house 'as so large and so rambling that a regiment might be hid a'a& in it and no one the 'iser# If the secret la& there it 'as difficult for me to penetrate it# But the door 'hich I had heard close 'as certainl& not in the house# I must explore the garden and see 'hat I could find# There 'as no difficult& in the 'a&( for the old people 'ere bus& in their o'n fashion and left me to m& o'n de)ices# 4There 'ere se)eral small outhouses( but at the end of the garden there 'as a detached building of some size--large enough for a gardener!s or a game$eeper!s residence# Could this be the place 'hence the sound of that shutting door had come: I approached it in a careless fashion as though I 'ere strolling aimlessl& round the grounds# /s I did so( a small( bris$( bearded man in a blac$ coat and bo'ler hat--not at all the gardener t&pe--came out of the door# To m& surprise( he loc$ed it after him and put the $e& in his poc$et# Then he loo$ed at me 'ith some surprise on his face# 4!/re &ou a )isitor here:! he as$ed# 4I explained that I 'as and that I 'as a friend of Godfre&!s#

4!,hat a pit& that he should be a'a& on his tra)els( for he 'ould ha)e so li$ed to see me(! I continued# 4!Fuite so# 5xactl&(! said he 'ith a rather guilt& air# !8o doubt &ou 'ill rene' &our )isit at some more propitious time#! %e passed on( but 'hen I turned I obser)ed that he 'as standing 'atching me( half-concealed b& the laurels at the far end of the garden# 4I had a good loo$ at the little house as I passed it( but the 'indo's 'ere hea)il& curtained( and( so far as one could see( it 'as empt&# I might spoil m& o'n game and e)en be ordered off the premises if I 'ere too audacious( for I 'as still conscious that I 'as being 'atched# Therefore( I strolled bac$ to the house and 'aited for night before I 'ent on 'ith m& in<uir&# ,hen all 'as dar$ and <uiet I slipped out of m& 'indo' and made m& 'a& as silentl& as possible to the m&sterious lodge# 4I ha)e said that it 'as hea)il& curtained( but no' I found that the 'indo's 'ere shuttered as 'ell# Some light( ho'e)er( 'as brea$ing through one of them( so I concentrated m& attention upon this# I 'as in luc$( for the curtain had not been <uite closed( and there 'as a crac$ in the shutter( so that I could see the inside of the room# It 'as a cheer& place enough( a bright lamp and a blazing fire# "pposite to me 'as seated the little man 'hom I had seen in the morning# %e 'as smo$ing a pipe and reading a paper#4 4,hat paper:4 I as$ed# M& client seemed anno&ed at the interruption of his narrati)e# 4Can it matter:4 he as$ed# 4It is most essential#4 4I reall& too$ no notice#4 4Possibl& &ou obser)ed 'hether it 'as a broad-leafed paper or of that smaller t&pe 'hich one associates 'ith 'ee$lies#4 48o' that &ou mention it( it 'as not large# It might ha)e been the Spectator# %o'e)er( I had little thought to spare upon such details( for a second man 'as seated 'ith his bac$ to the 'indo'( and I could s'ear that this second man 'as Godfre&# I could not see his face( but I $ne' the familiar slope of his shoulders# %e 'as leaning upon his elbo' in an attitude of great melanchol&( his bod& turned to'ards the fire# I 'as hesitating as to 'hat I should do 'hen there 'as a sharp tap on m& shoulder( and there 'as Colonel 5ms'orth beside me# 4!This 'a&( sir6! said he in a lo' )oice# %e 'al$ed in silence to the house( and I follo'ed him into m& o'n bedroom# %e had pic$ed up a time-table in the hall# 4 There is a train to ondon at 1?=C(! said he# !The trap 'ill be at the door at eight#! 4%e 'as 'hite 'ith rage( and( indeed( I felt m&self in so difficult a position that I could onl& stammer out a fe' incoherent apologies in 'hich I tried to excuse m&self b& urging m& anxiet& for m& friend# 4!The matter 'ill not bear discussion(! said he abruptl&# !9ou ha)e made a most damnable intrusion into the pri)ac& of our famil&# 9ou 'ere here as a guest and &ou ha)e become a sp&# I ha)e nothing more to sa&( sir( sa)e that I ha)e no 'ish e)er to see &ou again#! 4/t this I lost m& temper( Mr# %olmes( and I spo$e 'ith some 'armth# 4!I ha)e seen &our son( and I am con)inced that for some reason of &our o'n &ou are concealing him from the 'orld# I ha)e no idea 'hat &our moti)es are in cutting him off in this

fashion( but I am sure that he is no longer a free agent# I 'arn &ou( Colonel 5ms'orth( that until I am assured as to the safet& and 'ell-being of m& friend I shall ne)er desist in m& efforts to get to the bottom of the m&ster&( and I shall certainl& not allo' m&self to be intimidated b& an&thing 'hich &ou ma& sa& or do#! 4The old fello' loo$ed diabolical( and I reall& thought he 'as about to attac$ me# I ha)e said that he 'as a gaunt( fierce old giant( and though I am no 'ea$ling I might ha)e been hard put to it to hold m& o'n against him# %o'e)er( after a long glare of rage he turned upon his heel and 'al$ed out of the room# *or m& part( I too$ the appointed train in the morning( 'ith the full intention of coming straight to &ou and as$ing for &our ad)ice and assistance at the appointment for 'hich I had alread& 'ritten#4 Such 'as the problem 'hich m& )isitor laid before me# It presented( as the astute reader 'ill ha)e alread& percei)ed( fe' difficulties in its solution( for a )er& limited choice of alternati)es must get to the root of the matter# Still( elementar& as it 'as( there 'ere points of interest and no)elt& about it 'hich ma& excuse m& placing it upon record# I no' proceeded( using m& familiar method of logical anal&sis( to narro' do'n the possible solutions# 4The ser)ants(4 I as$ed. 4ho' man& 'ere in the house:4 4To the best of m& belief there 'ere onl& the old butler and his 'ife# The& seemed to li)e in the simplest fashion#4 4There 'as no ser)ant( then( in the detached house:4 48one( unless the little man 'ith the beard acted as such# %e seemed( ho'e)er( to be <uite a superior person#4 4That seems )er& suggesti)e# %ad &ou an& indication that food 'as con)e&ed from the one house to the other:4 48o' that &ou mention it( I did see old Ralph carr&ing a bas$et do'n the garden 'al$ and going in the direction of this house# The idea of food did not occur to me at the moment#4 4+id &ou ma$e an& local in<uiries:4 49es( I did# I spo$e to the station-master and also to the inn$eeper in the )illage# I simpl& as$ed if the& $ne' an&thing of m& old comrade( Godfre& 5ms'orth# Both of them assured me that he had gone for a )o&age round the 'orld# %e had come home and then had almost at once started off again# The stor& 'as e)identl& uni)ersall& accepted#4 49ou said nothing of &our suspicions:4 48othing#4 4That 'as )er& 'ise# The matter should certainl& be in<uired into# I 'ill go bac$ 'ith &ou to Tuxbur& "ld Par$#4 4To-da&:4 It happened that at the moment I 'as clearing up the case 'hich m& friend ,atson has described as that of the /bbe& School( in 'hich the +u$e of Gre&minster 'as so deepl& in)ol)ed# I had also a commission from the Sultan of Tur$e& 'hich called for immediate action( as political conse<uences of the gra)est $ind might arise from its neglect# Therefore it 'as not until the beginning of the next 'ee$( as m& diar& records( that I 'as able to start forth on m& mission to Bedfordshire in compan& 'ith Mr# Aames M# +odd# /s 'e dro)e to 5ustonn

'e pic$ed up a gra)e and tacitum gentleman of iron-gra& aspect( 'ith 'hom I had made the necessar& arrangements# 4This is an old friend(4 said I to +odd# 4It is possible that his presence ma& be entirel& unnecessar&( and( on the other hand( it ma& be essential# It is not necessar& at the present stage to go further into the matter#4 The narrati)es of ,atson ha)e accustomed the reader( no doubt( to the fact that I do not 'aste 'ords or disclose m& thoughts 'hile a case is actuall& under consideration# +odd seemed surprised( but nothing more 'as said( and the three of us continued our ;ourne& together# In the train I as$ed +odd one more <uestion 'hich I 'ished our companion to hear# 49ou sa& that &ou sa' &our friend!s face <uite clearl& at the 'indo'( so clearl& that &ou are sure of his identit&:4 4I ha)e no doubt about it 'hate)er# %is nose 'as pressed against the glass# The lamplight shone full upon him#4 4It could not ha)e been someone resembling him:4 48o( no( it 'as he#4 4But &ou sa& he 'as changed:4 4"nl& in colour# %is face 'as--ho' shall I describe it:--it 'as of a fish-bell& 'hiteness# It 'as bleached#4 4,as it e<uall& pale all o)er:4 4I thin$ not# It 'as his bro' 'hich I sa' so clearl& as it 'as pressed against the 'indo'#4 4+id &ou call to him:4 4I 'as too startled and horrified for the moment# Then I pursued him( as I ha)e told &ou( but 'ithout result#4 M& case 'as practicall& complete( and there 'as onl& one small incident needed to round it off# ,hen( after a considerable dri)e( 'e arri)ed at the strange old rambling house 'hich m& client had described( it 'as Ralph( the elderl& butler( 'ho opened the door# I had re<uisitioned the carriage for the da& and had as$ed m& elderl& friend to remain 'ithin it unless 'e should summon him# Ralph( a little 'rin$led old fello'( 'as in the con)entional costume of blac$ coat and pepper-and-salt trousers( 'ith onl& one curious )ariant# %e 'ore bro'n leather glo)es( 'hich at sight of us he instantl& shuffled off( la&ing them do'n on the hall-table as 'e passed in# I ha)e( as m& friend ,atson ma& ha)e remar$ed( an abnormall& acute set of senses( and a faint but incisi)e scent 'as apparent# It seemed to centre on the hall table# I turned( placed m& hat there( $noc$ed it off( stooped to pic$ it up( and contri)ed to bring m& nose 'ithin a foot of the glo)es# 9es( it 'as undoubtedl& from them that the curious tarr& odour 'as oozing# I passed on into the stud& 'ith m& case complete# /las( that I should ha)e to sho' m& hand so 'hen I tell m& o'n stor&6 It 'as b& concealing such lin$s in the chain that ,atson 'as enabled to produce his meretricious finales# Colonel 5ms'orth 'as not in his room( but he came <uic$l& enough on receipt of Ralph!s message# ,e heard his <uic$( hea)& step in the passage# The door 'as flung open and he rushed in 'ith bristling beard and t'isted features( as terrible an old man as e)er I ha)e seen# %e held our cards in his hand( and he tore them up and stamped on the fragments#

4%a)e I not told &ou( &ou infernal bus&bod&( that &ou are 'arned off the premises: 8e)er dare to sho' &our damned face here again# If &ou enter again 'ithout m& lea)e I shall be 'ithin m& rights if I use )iolence# I!ll shoot &ou( sir6 B& God( I 'ill6 /s to &ou( sir(4 turning upon me( 4I extend the same 'arning to &ou# I am familiar 'ith &our ignoble profession( but &ou must ta$e &our reputed talents to some other field# There is no opening for them here#4 4I cannot lea)e here(4 said m& client firml&( 4until I hear from Godfre&!s o'n lips that he is under no restraint#4 "ur in)oluntar& host rang the bell# 4Ralph(4 he said( 4telephone do'n to the count& police and as$ the inspector to send up t'o constables# Tell him there are burglars in the house#4 4"ne moment(4 said I# 49ou must be a'are( Mr# +odd( that Colonel 5ms'orth is 'ithin his rights and that 'e ha)e no legal status 'ithin his house# "n the other hand( he should recognize that &our action is prompted entirel& b& solicitude for his son# I )enture to hope that if I 'ere allo'ed to ha)e fi)e minutes con)ersation 'ith Colonel 5ms'orth I could certainl& alter his )ie' of the matter#4 4I am not so easil& altered(4 said the old soldier# 4Ralph( do 'hat I ha)e told &ou# ,hat the de)il are &ou 'aiting for: Ring up the police64 48othing of the sort(4 I said( putting m& bac$ to the door# 4/n& police interference 'ould bring about the )er& catastrophe 'hich &ou dread#4 I too$ out m& noteboo$ and scribbled one 'ord upon a loose sheet# 4That(4 said I as I handed it to Colonel 5ms'orth( 4is 'hat has brought us here#4 %e stared at the 'riting 'ith a face from 'hich e)er& expression sa)e amazement had )anished# 4%o' do &ou $no':4 he gasped( sitting do'n hea)il& in his chair# 4It is m& business to $no' things# That is m& trade#4 %e sat in deep thought( his gaunt hand tugging at his straggling beard# Then he made a gesture of resignation# 4,ell( if &ou 'ish to see Godfre&( &ou shall# It is no doing of mine( but &ou ha)e forced m& hand# Ralph( tell Mr# Godfre& and Mr# Bent that in fi)e minutes 'e shall be 'ith them#4 /t the end of that time 'e passed do'n the garden path and found oursel)es in front of the m&ster& house at the end# / small bearded man stood at the door 'ith a loo$ of considerable astonishment upon his face# 4This is )er& sudden( Colonel 5ms'orth(4 said he# 4This 'ill disarrange all our plans#4 4I can!t help it( Mr# Bent# "ur hands ha)e been forced# Can Mr# Godfre& see us:4 49es( he is 'aiting inside#4 %e turned and led us into a large plainl& furnished front room# / man 'as standing 'ith his bac$ to the fire( and at the sight of him m& client sprang for'ard 'ith outstretched hand# 4,h&( Godfre&( old man( this is fine64 But the other 'a)ed him bac$# 4+on!t touch me( Aimmie# Beep &our distance# 9es( &ou ma& 'ell stare6 I don!t <uite loo$ the smart ance-Corporal 5ms'orth( of B S<uadron( do I:4

%is appearance 'as certainl& extraordinar&# "ne could see that he had indeed been a handsome man 'ith clear-cut features sunburned b& an /frican sun( but mottled in patches o)er this dar$er surface 'ere curious 'hitish patches 'hich had bleached his s$in# 4That!s 'h& I don!t court )isitors(4 said he# 4I don!t mind &ou( Aimmie( but I could ha)e done 'ithout &our friend# I suppose there is some good reason for it( but &ou ha)e me at a disad)antage#4 4I 'anted to be sure that all 'as 'ell 'ith &ou( Godfre&# I sa' &ou that night 'hen &ou loo$ed into m& 'indo'( and I could not let the matter rest till I had cleared things up#4 4"ld Ralph told me &ou 'ere there( and I couldn!t help ta$ing a peep at &ou# I hoped &ou 'ould not ha)e seen me( and I had to run to m& burro' 'hen I heard the 'indo' go up#4 4But 'hat in hea)en!s name is the matter:4 4,ell( it!s not a long stor& to tell(4 said he( lighting a cigarette# 49ou remember that morning fight at Buffelsspruit( outside Pretoria( on the 5astern rail'a& line: 9ou heard I 'as hit:4 49es( I heard that but I ne)er got particulars#4 4Three of us got separated from the others# It 'as )er& bro$en countr&( &ou ma& remember# There 'as Simpson--the fello' 'e called Bald& Simpson--and /nderson( and I# ,e 'ere clearing brother Boer( but he la& lo' and got the three of us# The other t'o 'ere $illed# I got an elephant bullet through m& shoulder# I stuc$ on to m& horse( ho'e)er( and he galloped se)eral miles before I fainted and rolled off the saddle# 4,hen I came to m&self it 'as nightfall( and I raised m&self up( feeling )er& 'ea$ and ill# To m& surprise there 'as a house close beside me( a fairl& large house 'ith a broad stoep and man& 'indo's# It 'as deadl& cold# 9ou remember the $ind of numb cold 'hich used to come at e)ening( a deadl&( sic$ening sort of cold( )er& different from a crisp health& frost# ,ell( I 'as chilled to the bone( and m& onl& hope seemed to lie in reaching that house# I staggered to m& feet and dragged m&self along( hardl& conscious of 'hat I did# I ha)e a dim memor& of slo'l& ascending the steps( entering a 'ide-opened door( passing into a large room 'hich contained se)eral beds( and thro'ing m&self do'n 'ith a gasp of satisfaction upon one of them# It 'as unmade( but that troubled me not at all# I dre' the clothes o)er m& shi)ering bod& and in a moment I 'as in a deep sleep# 4It 'as morning 'hen I 'a$ened( and it seemed to me that instead of coming out into a 'orld of sanit& I had emerged into some extraordinar& nightmare# The /frican sun flooded through the big( curtainless 'indo's( and e)er& detail of the great( bare( 'hite'ashed dormitor& stood out hard and clear# In front of me 'as standing a small( d'arf-li$e man 'ith a huge( bulbous head( 'ho 'as ;abbering excitedl& in +utch( 'a)ing t'o horrible hands 'hich loo$ed to me li$e bro'n sponges# Behind him stood a group of people 'ho seemed to be intensel& amused b& the situation( but a chill came o)er me as I loo$ed at them# 8ot one of them 'as a normal human being# 5)er& one 'as t'isted or s'ollen or disfigured in some strange 'a&# The laughter of these strange monstrosities 'as a dreadful thing to hear# 4It seemed that none of them could spea$ 5nglish( but the situation 'anted clearing up( for the creature 'ith the big head 'as gro'ing furiousl& angr&( and( uttering 'ild-beast cries( he had laid his deformed hands upon me and 'as dragging me out of bed( regardless of the fresh flo' of blood from m& 'ound# The little monster 'as as strong as a bull( and I don!t $no' 'hat he might ha)e done to me had not an elderl& man 'ho 'as clearl& in authorit&

been attracted to the room b& the hubbub. %e said a fe' stern 'ords in +utch( and m& persecutor shran$ a'a&# Then he turned upon me( gazing at me in the utmost amazement# 4!%o' in the 'orld did &ou come here:! he as$ed in amazement# !,ait a bit6 I see that &ou are tired out and that 'ounded shoulder of &ours 'ants loo$ing after# I am a doctor( and I!ll soon ha)e &ou tied up# But( man ali)e6 &ou are in far greater danger here than e)er &ou 'ere on the battlefield# 9ou are in the eper %ospital( and &ou ha)e slept in a leper!s bed#! 48eed I tell &ou more( Aimmie: It seems that in )ie' of the approaching battle all these poor creatures had been e)acuated the da& before# Then( as the British ad)anced( the& had been brought bac$ b& this( their medical superintendent( 'ho assured me that( though he belie)ed he 'as immune to the disease( he 'ould none the less ne)er ha)e dared to do 'hat I had done# %e put me in a pri)ate room( treated me $indl&( and 'ithin a 'ee$ or so I 'as remo)ed to the general hospital at Pretoria# 4So there &ou ha)e m& traged&# I hoped against hope( but it 'as not until I had reached home that the terrible signs 'hich &ou see upon m& face told me that I had not escaped# ,hat 'as I to do: I 'as in this lonel& house# ,e had t'o ser)ants 'hom 'e could utterl& trust# There 'as a house 'here I could li)e# 7nder pledge of secrec&( Mr# Bent( 'ho is a surgeon( 'as prepared to sta& 'ith me# It seemed simple enough on those lines# The alternati)e 'as a dreadful one--segregation for life among strangers 'ith ne)er a hope of release# But absolute secrec& 'as necessar&( or e)en in this <uiet countr&side there 'ould ha)e been an outcr&( and I should ha)e been dragged to m& horrible doom# 5)en &ou( Aimmie--e)en &ou had to be $ept in the dar$# ,h& m& father has relented I cannot imagine#4 Colonel 5ms'orth pointed to me# 4This is the gentleman 'ho forced m& hand#4 %e unfolded the scrap of paper on 'hich I had 'ritten the 'ord 4 epros&#4 4It seemed to me that if he $ne' so much as that it 'as safer that he should $no' all#4 4/nd so it 'as(4 said I# 4,ho $no's but good ma& come of it: I understand that onl& Mr# Bent has seen the patient# Ma& I as$( sir( if &ou are an authorit& on such complaints( 'hich are( I understand( tropical or semi-tropical in their nature:4 4I ha)e the ordinar& $no'ledge of the educated medical man(4 he obser)ed 'ith some stiffness# 4I ha)e no doubt( sir( that &ou are full& competent( but I am sure that &ou 'ill agree that in such a case a second opinion is )aluable# 9ou ha)e a)oided this( I understand( for fear that pressure should be put upon &ou to segregate the patient#4 4That is so(4 said Colonel 5ms'orth# 4I foresa' this situation(4 I explained( 4and I ha)e brought 'ith me a friend 'hose discretion ma& absolutel& be trusted# I 'as able once to do him a professional ser)ice( and he is read& to ad)ise as a friend rather than as a specialist# %is name is Sir Aames Saunders#4 The prospect of an inter)ie' 'ith ord Roberts 'ould not ha)e excited greater 'onder and pleasure in a ra' subaltern than 'as no' reflected upon the face of Mr# Bent# 4I shall indeed be proud(4 he murmured# 4Then I 'ill as$ Sir Aames to step this 'a&# %e is at present in the carriage outside the door# Mean'hile( Colonel 5ms'orth( 'e ma& perhaps assemble in &our stud&( 'here I could gi)e the necessar& explanations#4

/nd here it is that I miss m& ,atson# B& cunning <uestions and e;aculations of 'onder he could ele)ate m& simple art( 'hich is but s&stematized common sense( into a prodig&# ,hen I tell m& o'n stor& I ha)e no such aid# /nd &et I 'ill gi)e m& process of thought e)en as I ga)e it to m& small audience( 'hich included Godfre&!s mother in the stud& of Colonel 5ms'orth# 4That process(4 said I( 4starts upon the supposition that 'hen &ou ha)e eliminated all 'hich is impossible( then 'hate)er remains( ho'e)er improbable( must be the truth# It ma& 'ell be that se)eral explanations remain( in 'hich case one tries test after test until one or other of them has a con)incing amount of support# ,e 'ill no' appl& this principle to the case in point# /s it 'as first presented to me( there 'ere three possible explanations of the seclusion or incarceration of this gentleman in an outhouse of his father!s mansion# There 'as the explanation that he 'as in hiding for a crime( or that he 'as mad and that the& 'ished to a)oid an as&lum( or that he had some disease 'hich caused his segregation# I could thin$ of no other ade<uate solutions# These( then( had to be sifted and balanced against each other# 4The criminal solution 'ould not bear inspection# 8o unsol)ed crime had been reported from that district# I 'as sure of that# If it 'ere some crime not &et disco)ered( then clearl& it 'ould be to the interest of the famil& to get rid of the delin<uent and send him abroad rather than $eep him concealed at home# I could see no explanation for such a line of conduct# 4Insanit& 'as more plausible# The presence of the second person in the outhouse suggested a $eeper# The fact that he loc$ed the door 'hen he came out strengthened the supposition and ga)e the idea of constraint# "n the other hand( this constraint could not be se)ere or the &oung man could not ha)e got loose and come do'n to ha)e a loo$ at his friend# 9ou 'ill remember( Mr# +odd( that I felt round for points( as$ing &ou( for example( about the paper 'hich Mr# Bent 'as reading# %ad it been the ancet or the British Medical Aournal it 'ould ha)e helped me# It is not illegal( ho'e)er( to $eep a lunatic upon pri)ate premises so long as there is a <ualified person in attendance and that the authorities ha)e been dul& notified# ,h&( then( all this desperate desire for secrec&: "nce again I could not get the theor& to fit the facts# 4There remained the third possibilit&( into 'hich( rare and unli$el& as it 'as( e)er&thing seemed to fit# epros& is not uncommon in South /frica# B& some extraordinar& chance this &outh might ha)e contracted it# %is people 'ould be placed in a )er& dreadful position( since the& 'ould desire to sa)e him from segregation# Great secrec& 'ould be needed to pre)ent rumours from getting about and subse<uent interference b& the authorities# / de)oted medical man( if sufficientl& paid( 'ould easil& be found to ta$e charge of the sufferer# There 'ould be no reason 'h& the latter should not be allo'ed freedom after dar$# Bleaching of the s$in is a common result of the disease# The case 'as a strong one--so strong that I determined to act as if it 'ere actuall& pro)ed# ,hen on arri)ing here I noticed that Ralph( 'ho carries out the meals( had glo)es 'hich are impregnated 'ith disinfectants( m& last doubts 'ere remo)ed# / single 'ord sho'ed &ou( sir( that &our secret 'as disco)ered( and if I 'rote rather than said it( it 'as to pro)e to &ou that m& discretion 'as to be trusted#4 I 'as finishing this little anal&sis of the case 'hen the door 'as opened and the austere figure of the great dermatologist 'as ushered in# But for once his sphinx-li$e features had relaxed and there 'as a 'arm humanit& in his e&es# %e strode up to Colonel 5ms'orth and shoo$ him b& the hand# 4It is often m& lot to bring ill-tidings and seldom good(4 said he# 4This occasion is the more 'elcome# It is not lepros&#4 4,hat:4

4/ 'ell-mar$ed case of pseudo-lepros& or ichth&osis( a scaleli$e affection of the s$in( unsightl&( obstinate( but possibl& curable( and certainl& noninfecti)e# 9es( Mr# %olmes( the coincidence is a remar$able one# But is it coincidence: /re there not subtle forces at 'or$ of 'hich 'e $no' little: /re 'e assured that the apprehension from 'hich this &oung man has no doubt suffered terribl& since his exposure to its contagion ma& not produce a ph&sical effect 'hich simulates that 'hich it fears: /t an& rate( I pledge m& professional reputation-But the lad& has fainted6 I thin$ that Mr# Bent had better be 'ith her until she reco)ers from this ;o&ous shoc$#4

ADVENTURE V ! THE ADVENTURE OF THE RET RED CO%OUR"AN

Sherloc$ %olmes 'as in a melanchol& and philosophic mood that morning# %is alert practical nature 'as sub;ect to such reactions# 4+id &ou see him:4 he as$ed# 49ou mean the old fello' 'ho has ;ust gone out:4 4Precisel&#4 49es( I met him at the door#4 4,hat did &ou thin$ of him:4 4/ pathetic( futile( bro$en creature#4 45xactl&( ,atson# Pathetic and futile# But is not all life pathetic and futile: Is not his stor& a microcosm of the 'hole: ,e reach# ,e grasp# /nd 'hat is left in our hands at the end: / shado'# "r 'orse than a shado'--miser&#4 4Is he one of &our clients:4 4,ell( I suppose I ma& call him so# %e has been sent on b& the 9ard# Aust as medical men occasionall& send their incurables to a <uac$# The& argue that the& can do nothing more( and that 'hate)er happens the patient can be no 'orse than he is#4 4,hat is the matter:4 %olmes too$ a rather soiled card from the table# 4Aosiah /mberle&# %e sa&s he 'as ;unior partner of Bric$fall and /mberle&( 'ho are manufacturers of artistic materials# 9ou 'ill see their names upon paint-boxes# %e made his little pile( retired from business at the age of sixt&-one( bought a house at e'isham# and settled do'n to rest after a life of ceaseless grind# "ne 'ould thin$ his future 'as tolerabl& assured#4 49es( indeed#4 %olmes glanced o)er some notes 'hich he had scribbled upon the bac$ of an en)elope# 4Retired in 013>( ,atson# 5arl& in 0132 he married a 'oman t'ent& &ears &ounger than himself--a good-loo$ing 'oman( too# if the photograph does not flatter# / competence( a 'ife( leisure--it seemed a straight road 'hich la& before him# /nd &et 'ithin t'o &ears he is( as &ou ha)e seen( as bro$en and miserable a creature as cra'ls beneath the sun#4 4But 'hat has happened:4

4The old stor&( ,atson# / treacherous friend and a fic$le 'ife# It 'ould appear that /mberle& has one hobb& in life( and it is chess# 8ot far from him at e'isham there li)es a &oung doctor 'ho is also a chess-pla&er# I ha)e noted his name as +r# Ra& 5rnest# 5rnest 'as fre<uentl& in the house( and an intimac& bet'een him and Mrs# /mberle& 'as a natural se<uence( for &ou must admit that our unfortunate client has fe' out'ard graces( 'hate)er his inner )irtues ma& be# The couple 'ent off together last 'ee$--destination untraced# ,hat is more( the faithless spouse carried off the old man!s deed-box as her personal luggage 'ith a good part of his life!s sa)ings 'ithin# Can 'e find the lad&: Can 'e sa)e the mone&: / commonplace problem so far as it has de)eloped( and &et a )ital one for Aosiah /mberle&#4 4,hat 'ill &ou do about it:4 4,ell( the immediate <uestion( m& dear ,atson( happens to be( ,hat 'ill &ou do:--if &ou 'ill be good enough to understud& me# 9ou $no' that I am preoccupied 'ith this case of the t'o Coptic Patriarchs( 'hich should come to a head to-da&# I reall& ha)e not time to go out to e'isham( and &et e)idence ta$en on the spot has a special )alue# The old fello' 'as <uite insistent that I should go( but I explained m& difficult&# %e is prepared to meet a representati)e#4 4B& all means(4 I ans'ered# 4I confess I don!t see that I can be of much ser)ice( but I am 'illing to do m& best#4 /nd so it 'as that on a summer afternoon I set forth to e'isham( little dreaming that 'ithin a 'ee$ the affair in 'hich I 'as engaging 'ould be the eager debate of all 5ngland# It 'as late that e)ening before I returned to Ba$er Street and ga)e an account of m& mission# %olmes la& 'ith his gaunt figure stretched in his deep chair( his pipe curling forth slo' 'reaths of acrid tobacco( 'hile his e&elids drooped o)er his e&es so lazil& that he might almost ha)e been asleep 'ere it not that at an& halt or <uestionable passage of m& narrati)e the& half lifted( and t'o gra& e&es( as bright and $een as rapiers( transfixed me 'ith their searching glance# 4The %a)en is the name of Mr# Aosiah /mberle&!s house(4 I explained# 4I thin$ it 'ould interest &ou( %olmes# It is li$e some penurious patrician 'ho has sun$ into the compan& of his inferiors# 9ou $no' that particular <uarter( the monotonous bric$ streets( the 'ear& suburban high'a&s# Right in the middle of them( a little island of ancient culture and comfort( lies this old home( surrounded b& a high sun-ba$ed 'all mottled 'ith lichens and topped 'ith moss( the sort of 'all--4 4Cut out the poetr&( ,atson(4 said %olmes se)erel&# 4I note that it 'as a high bric$ 'all#4 45xactl&# I should not ha)e $no'n 'hich 'as The %a)en had I not as$ed a lounger 'ho 'as smo$ing in the street# I ha)e a reason for mentioning him# %e 'as a tall( dar$( hea)il& moustached( rather militar&-loo$ing man# %e nodded in ans'er to m& in<uir& and ga)e me a curiousl& <uestioning glance( 'hich came bac$ to m& memor& a little later# 4I had hardl& entered the gate'a& before I sa' Mr# /mberle& coming do'n the dri)e# I onl& had a glimpse of him this morning( and he certainl& ga)e me the impression of a strange creature( but 'hen I sa' him in full light his appearance 'as e)en more abnormal#4 4I ha)e( of course( studied it( and &et I should be interested to ha)e &our impression(4 said %olmes# 4%e seemed to me li$e a man 'ho 'as literall& bo'ed do'n b& care# %is bac$ 'as cur)ed as though he carried a hea)& burden# 9et he 'as not the 'ea$ling that I had at first imagined( for

his shoulders and chest ha)e the frame'or$ of a giant( though his figure tapers a'a& into a pair of spindled legs#4 4 eft shoe 'rin$led( right one smooth#4 4I did not obser)e that#4 48o( &ou 'ouldn!t# I spotted his artificial limb# But proceed#4 4I 'as struc$ b& the sna$& loc$s of grizzled hair 'hich curled from under his old stra' hat( and his face 'ith its fierce( eager expression and the deepl& lined features#4 4Ver& good( ,atson# ,hat did he sa&:4 4%e began pouring out the stor& of his grie)ances# ,e 'al$ed do'n the dri)e together( and of course I too$ a good loo$ round# I ha)e ne)er seen a 'orse-$ept place# The garden 'as all running to seed( gi)ing me an impression of 'ild neglect in 'hich the plants had been allo'ed to find the 'a& of 8ature rather than of art# %o' an& decent 'oman could ha)e tolerated such a state of things( I don!t $no'# The house( too( 'as slatternl& to the last degree( but the poor man seemed himself to be a'are of it and to be tr&ing to remed& it( for a great pot of green paint stood in the centre of the hall( and he 'as carr&ing a thic$ brush in his left hand# %e had been 'or$ing on the 'ood'or$# 4%e too$ me into his ding& sanctum( and 'e had a long chat# "f course( he 'as disappointed that &ou had not come &ourself# !I hardl& expected(! he said( !that so humble an indi)idual as m&self( especiall& after m& hea)& financial loss( could obtain the complete attention of so famous a man as Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes#! 4I assured him that the financial <uestion did not arise# !8o of course( it is art for art!s sa$e 'ith him(! said he( !but e)en on the artistic side of crime he might ha)e found something here to stud&# /nd human nature( +r# ,atson--the blac$ ingratitude of it all6 ,hen did I e)er refuse one of her re<uests: ,as e)er a 'oman so pampered: /nd that &oung man--he might ha)e been m& o'n son# %e had the run of m& house# /nd &et see ho' the& ha)e treated me6 "h( +r# ,atson( it is a dreadful( dreadful 'orld6! 4That 'as the burden of his song for an hour or more# %e had( it seems( no suspicion of an intrigue# The& li)ed alone sa)e for a 'oman 'ho comes in b& the da& and lea)es e)er& e)ening at six# "n that particular e)ening old /mberle&( 'ishing to gi)e his 'ife a treat( had ta$en t'o upper circle seats at the %a&mar$et Theatre# /t the last moment she had complained of a headache and had refused to go# %e had gone alone# There seemed to be no doubt about the fact( for he produced the unused tic$et 'hich he had ta$en for his 'ife#4 4That is remar$able--most remar$able(4 said %olmes( 'hose interest in the case seemed to be rising# 4Pra& continue( ,atson# I find &our narrati)e most arresting# +id &ou personall& examine this tic$et: 9ou did not( perchance( ta$e the number:4 4It so happens that I did(4 I ans'ered 'ith some pride# 4It chanced to be m& old school number( thirt&-one( and so is stuc$ in m& head#4 45xcellent( ,atson6 %is seat( then( 'as either thirt& or thirt&-t'o#4 4Fuite so(4 I ans'ered 'ith some m&stification# 4/nd on B ro'#4 4That is most satisfactor&# ,hat else did he tell &ou:4 4%e sho'ed me his strong-room( as he called it# It reall& is a strong-room--li$e a ban$--'ith iron door and shutter-- burglarproof( as he claimed# %o'e)er( the 'oman seems to ha)e had

a duplicate $e&( and bet'een them the& had carried off some se)en thousand pounds! 'orth of cash and securities#4 4Securities6 %o' could the& dispose of those:4 4%e said that he had gi)en the police a list and that he hoped the& 'ould be unsaleable# %e had got bac$ from the theatre about midnight and found the place plundered( the door and 'indo' open( and the fugiti)es gone# There 'as no letter or message( nor has he heard a 'ord since# %e at once ga)e the alarm to the police#4 %olmes brooded for some minutes# 49ou sa& he 'as painting# ,hat 'as he painting:4 4,ell( he 'as painting the passage# But he had alread& painted the door and 'ood'or$ of this room I spo$e of#4 4+oes it not stri$e &ou as a strange occupation in the circumstances:4 4!"ne must do something to ease an aching heart#! That 'as his o'n explanation# It 'as eccentric( no doubt( but he is clearl& an eccentric man# %e tore up one of his 'ife!s photographs in m& presence--tore it up furiousl& in a tempest of passion# !I ne)er 'ish to see her damned face again(! he shrie$ed#4 4/n&thing more( ,atson:4 49es( one thing 'hich struc$ me more than an&thing else# I had dri)en to the Blac$heath Station and had caught m& train there 'hen( ;ust as it 'as starting( I sa' a man dart into the carriage next to m& o'n# 9ou $no' that I ha)e a <uic$ e&e for faces( %olmes# It 'as undoubtedl& the tall( dar$ man 'hom I had addressed in the street# I sa' him once more at ondon Bridge( and then I lost him in the cro'd# But I am con)inced that he 'as follo'ing me#4 48o doubt6 8o doubt64 said %olmes# 4/ tall( dar$( hea)il& moustached man( &ou sa&( 'ith gra&tinted sun-glasses:4 4%olmes( &ou are a 'izard# I did not sa& so( but he had gra&-tinted sun-glasses#4 4/nd a Masonic tie-pin:4 4%olmes64 4Fuite simple( m& dear ,atson# But let us get do'n to 'hat is practical# I must admit to &ou that the case( 'hich seemed to me to be so absurdl& simple as to be hardl& 'orth m& notice( is rapidl& assuming a )er& different aspect# It is true that though in &our mission &ou ha)e missed e)er&thing of importance( &et e)en those things 'hich ha)e obtruded themsel)es upon &our notice gi)e rise to serious thought#4 4,hat ha)e I missed:4 4+on!t be hurt( m& dear fello'# 9ou $no' that I am <uite impersonal# 8o one else 'ould ha)e done better# Some possibl& not so 'ell# But clearl& &ou ha)e missed some )ital points# ,hat is the opinion of the neighbours about this man /mberle& and his 'ife: That surel& is of importance# ,hat of +r# 5rnest: ,as he the ga& othario one 'ould expect: ,ith &our natural ad)antages( ,atson( e)er& lad& is &our helper and accomplice# ,hat about the girl at the post-office( or the 'ife of the greengrocer: I can picture &ou 'hispering soft nothings 'ith the &oung lad& at the Blue /nchor( and recei)ing hard somethings in exchange# /ll this &ou ha)e left undone#4

4It can still be done#4 4It has been done# Than$s to the telephone and the help of the 9ard( I can usuall& get m& essentials 'ithout lea)ing this room# /s a matter of fact( m& information confirms the man!s stor&# %e has the local repute of being a miser as 'ell as a harsh and exacting husband# That he had a large sum of mone& in that strong-room of his is certain# So also is it that &oung +r# 5rnest( an unmarried man( pla&ed chess 'ith /mberle&( and probabl& pla&ed the fool 'ith his 'ife# /ll this seems plain sailing( and one 'ould thin$ that there 'as no more to be said--and &et6--and &et64 4,here lies the difficult&:4 4In m& imagination( perhaps# ,ell( lea)e it there( ,atson# et us escape from this 'ear& 'or$ada& 'orld b& the side door of music# Carina sings to-night at the /lbert %all( and 'e still ha)e time to dress( dine( and en;o&#4 In the morning I 'as up betimes( but some toast crumbs and t'o empt& eggshells told me that m& companion 'as earlier still# I found a scribbled note upon the table# +5/R ,/TS"8? There are one or t'o points of contact 'hich I should 'ish to establish 'ith Mr# Aosiah /mberle&# ,hen I ha)e done so 'e can dismiss the case--or not# I 'ould onl& as$ &ou to be on hand about three o!cloc$( as I concei)e it possible that I ma& 'ant &ou# S#%# I sa' nothing of %olmes all da&( but at the hour named he returned( gra)e( preoccupied( and aloof# /t such times it 'as 'iser to lea)e him to himself# 4%as /mberle& been here &et:4 48o#4 4/h6 I am expecting him#4 %e 'as not disappointed( for presentl& the old fello' arri)ed 'ith a )er& 'orried and puzzled expression upon his austere face# 4I!)e had a telegram( Mr# %olmes# I can ma$e nothing of it#4 %e handed it o)er( and %olmes read it aloud#
4Come at once 'ithout fail# Can gi)e &ou information as to &our recent loss# 5 M/8# The Vicarage#4

4+ispatched at @?0C from ittle Purlington(4 said %olmes# 4 ittle Purlington is in 5ssex( I belie)e( not far from *rinton# ,ell( of course &ou 'ill start at once# This is e)identl& from a responsible person( the )icar of the place# ,here is m& Croc$ford: 9es( here 'e ha)e him? !A# C# 5lman( M# /#( i)ing of Moosmoor cum ittle Purlington#! oo$ up the trains( ,atson#4 4There is one at E?@C from i)erpool Street#4 45xcellent# 9ou had best go 'ith him( ,atson# %e ma& need help or ad)ice# Clearl& 'e ha)e come to a crisis in this affair#4 But our client seemed b& no means eager to start# 4It!s perfectl& absurd( Mr# %olmes(4 he said# 4,hat can this man possibl& $no' of 'hat has occurred: It is 'aste of time and mone&#4

4%e 'ould not ha)e telegraphed to &ou if he did not $no' something# ,ire at once that &ou are coming#4 4I don!t thin$ I shall go#4 %olmes assumed his sternest aspect# 4It 'ould ma$e the 'orst possible impression both on the police and upon m&self( Mr# /mberle&( if 'hen so ob)ious a clue arose &ou should refuse to follo' it up# ,e should feel that &ou 'ere not reall& in earnest in this in)estigation#4 "ur client seemed horrified at the suggestion# 4,h&( of course I shall go if &ou loo$ at it in that 'a&(4 said he# 4"n the face of it( it seems absurd to suppose that this parson $no's an&thing( but if &ou thin$--4 4I do thin$(4 said %olmes 'ith emphasis( and so 'e 'ere launched upon our ;ourne&# %olmes too$ me aside before 'e left the room and ga)e me one 'ord of counsel( 'hich sho'ed that he considered the matter to be of importance# 4,hate)er &ou do( see that he reall& does go(4 said he# 4Should he brea$ a'a& or return( get to the nearest telephone exchange and send the single 'ord !Bolted#! I 'ill arrange here that it shall reach me 'here)er I am#4 ittle Purlington is not an eas& place to reach( for it is on a branch line# M& remembrance of the ;ourne& is not a pleasant one( for the 'eather 'as hot( the train slo'( and m& companion sullen and silent( hardl& tal$ing at all sa)e to ma$e an occasional sardonic remar$ as to the futilit& of our proceedings# ,hen 'e at last reached the little station it 'as a t'o-mile dri)e before 'e came to the Vicarage( 'here a big( solemn( rather pompous clerg&man recei)ed us in his stud&# "ur telegram la& before him# 4,ell( gentlemen(4 he as$ed( 4'hat can I do for &ou:4 4,e came(4 I explained( 4in ans'er to &our 'ire#4 4M& 'ire6 I sent no 'ire#4 4I mean the 'ire 'hich &ou sent to Mr# Aosiah /mberle& about his 'ife and his mone&#4 4If this is a ;o$e( sir( it is a )er& <uestionable one(4 said the )icar angril&# 4I ha)e ne)er heard of the gentleman &ou name( and I ha)e not sent a 'ire to an&one#4 "ur client and I loo$ed at each other in amazement# 4Perhaps there is some mista$e(4 said I. 4are there perhaps t'o )icarages: %ere is the 'ire itself( signed 5lman and dated from the Vicarage#4 4There is onl& one )icarage( sir( and onl& one )icar( and this 'ire is a scandalous forger&( the origin of 'hich shall certainl& be in)estigated b& the police# Mean'hile( I can see no possible ob;ect in prolonging this inter)ie'#4 So Mr# /mberle& and I found oursel)es on the roadside in 'hat seemed to me to be the most primiti)e )illage in 5ngland# ,e made for the telegraph office( but it 'as alread& closed# There 'as a telephone( ho'e)er( at the little Rail'a& /rms( and b& it I got into touch 'ith %olmes( 'ho shared in our amazement at the result of our ;ourne&# 4Most singular64 said the distant )oice# 4Most remar$able6 I much fear( m& dear ,atson( that there is no return train to-night# I ha)e un'ittingl& condemned &ou to the horrors of a countr& inn# %o'e)er( there is al'a&s 8ature( ,atson--8ature and Aosiah /mberle&--&ou can be in close commune 'ith both#4 I heard his dr& chuc$le as he turned a'a&#

It 'as soon apparent to me that m& companion!s reputation as a miser 'as not undeser)ed# %e had grumbled at the expense of the ;ourne&( had insisted upon tra)elling third-class( and 'as no' clamorous in his ob;ections to the hotel bill# 8ext morning( 'hen 'e did at last arri)e in ondon( it 'as hard to sa& 'hich of us 'as in the 'orse humour# 49ou had best ta$e Ba$er Street as 'e pass(4 said I# 4Mr# %olmes ma& ha)e some fresh instructions#4 4If the& are not 'orth more than the last ones the& are not of much use(4 said /mberle& 'ith a male)olent sco'l# 8one the less( he $ept me compan&# I had alread& 'arned %olmes b& telegram of the hour of our arri)al( but 'e found a message 'aiting that he 'as at e'isham and 'ould expect us there# That 'as a surprise( but an e)en greater one 'as to find that he 'as not alone in the sitting-room of our client# / stern-loo$ing( impassi)e man sat beside him( a dar$ man 'ith gra&-tinted glasses and a large Masonic pin pro;ecting from his tie# 4This is m& friend Mr# Bar$er(4 said %olmes# 4%e has been interesting himself also in &our business( Mr# Aosiah /mberle&( though 'e ha)e been 'or$ing independentl&# But 'e both ha)e the same <uestion to as$ &ou64 Mr# /mberle& sat do'n hea)il&# %e sensed impending danger# I read it in his straining e&es and his t'itching features# 4,hat is the <uestion( Mr# %olmes:4 4"nl& this? ,hat did &ou do 'ith the bodies:4 The man sprang to his feet 'ith a hoarse scream# %e cla'ed into the air 'ith his bon& hands# %is mouth 'as open( and for the instant he loo$ed li$e some horrible bird of pre&# In a flash 'e got a glimpse of the real Aosiah /mberle&( a misshapen demon 'ith a soul as distorted as his bod&# /s he fell bac$ into his chair he clapped his hand to his lips as if to stifle a cough# %olmes sprang at his throat li$e a tiger and t'isted his face to'ards the ground# / 'hite pellet fell from bet'een his gasping lips# 48o short cuts( Aosiah /mberle&# Things must be done decentl& and in order# ,hat about it( Bar$er:4 4I ha)e a cab at the door(4 said our taciturn companion# 4It is onl& a fe' hundred &ards to the station# ,e 'ill go together# 9ou can sta& here( ,atson# I shall be bac$ 'ithin half an hour#4 The old colourman had the strength of a lion in that great trun$ of his( but he 'as helpless in the hands of the t'o experienced man-handlers# ,riggling and t'isting he 'as dragged to the 'aiting cab( and I 'as left to m& solitar& )igil in the ill-omened house# In less time than he had named( ho'e)er( %olmes 'as bac$( in compan& 'ith a smart &oung police inspector# 4I!)e left Bar$er to loo$ after the formalities(4 said %olmes# 49ou had not met Bar$er( ,atson# %e is m& hated ri)al upon the Surre& shore# ,hen &ou said a tall dar$ man it 'as not difficult for me to complete the picture# %e has se)eral good cases to his credit( has he not( Inspector:4 4%e has certainl& interfered se)eral times(4 the inspector ans'ered 'ith reser)e# 4%is methods are irregular( no doubt( li$e m& o'n# The irregulars are useful sometimes( &ou $no'# 9ou( for example( 'ith &our compulsor& 'arning about 'hate)er he said being used against him( could ne)er ha)e bluffed this rascal into 'hat is )irtuall& a confession#4

4Perhaps not# But 'e get there all the same( Mr# %olmes# +on!t imagine that 'e had not formed our o'n )ie's of this case( and that 'e 'ould not ha)e laid our hands on our man# 9ou 'ill excuse us for feeling sore 'hen &ou ;ump in 'ith methods 'hich 'e cannot use( and so rob us of the credit#4 4There shall be no such robber&( MacBinnon# I assure &ou that I efface m&self from no' on'ard( and as to Bar$er( he has done nothing sa)e 'hat I told him#4 The inspector seemed considerabl& relie)ed# 4That is )er& handsome of &ou( Mr# %olmes# Praise or blame can matter little to &ou( but it is )er& different to us 'hen the ne'spapers begin to as$ <uestions#4 4Fuite so# But the& are prett& sure to as$ <uestions an&ho'( so it 'ould be as 'ell to ha)e ans'ers# ,hat 'ill &ou sa&( for example( 'hen the intelligent and enterprising reporter as$s &ou 'hat the exact points 'ere 'hich aroused &our suspicion( and finall& ga)e &ou a certain con)iction as to the real facts:4 The inspector loo$ed puzzled# 4,e don!t seem to ha)e got an& real facts &et( Mr# %olmes# 9ou sa& that the prisoner( in the presence of three 'itnesses( practicall& confessed b& tr&ing to commit suicide( that he had murdered his 'ife and her lo)er# ,hat other facts ha)e &ou:4 4%a)e &ou arranged for a search:4 4There are three constables on their 'a&#4 4Then &ou 'ill soon get the clearest fact of all# The bodies cannot be far a'a&# Tr& the cellars and the garden# It should not ta$e long to dig up the li$el& places# This house is older than the 'ater-pipes# There must be a disused 'ell some'here# Tr& &our luc$ there#4 4But ho' did &ou $no' of it( and ho' 'as it done:4 4I!ll sho' &ou first ho' it 'as done( and then I 'ill gi)e the explanation 'hich is due to &ou( and e)en more to m& longsuffering friend here( 'ho has been in)aluable throughout# But( first( I 'ould gi)e &ou an insight into this man!s mentalit&# It is a )er& unusual one --so much so that I thin$ his destination is more li$el& to be Broadmoor than the scaffold# %e has( to a high degree( the sort of mind 'hich one associates 'ith the mediae)al Italian nature rather than 'ith the modern Briton# %e 'as a miserable miser 'ho made his 'ife so 'retched b& his niggardl& 'a&s that she 'as a read& pre& for an& ad)enturer# Such a one came upon the scene in the person of this chess-pla&ing doctor# /mberle& excelled at chess--one mar$( ,atson( of a scheming mind# i$e all misers( he 'as a ;ealous man( and his ;ealous& became a frantic mania# Rightl& or 'rongl&( he suspected an intrigue# %e determined to ha)e his re)enge( and he planned it 'ith diabolical cle)erness# Come here64 %olmes led us along the passage 'ith as much certaint& as if he had li)ed in the house and halted at the open door of the strong-room# 4Pooh6 ,hat an a'ful smell of paint64 cried the inspector# 4That 'as our first clue(4 said %olmes# 49ou can than$ +r# ,atson!s obser)ation for that( though he failed to dra' the inference# It set m& foot upon the trail# ,h& should this man at such a time be filling his house 'ith strong odours: "b)iousl&( to co)er some other smell 'hich he 'isfhed to conceal--some guilt& smell 'hich 'ould suggest suspicions# Then came the idea of a room such as &ou see here 'ith iron door and shutter--a hermeticall& sealed room# Put those t'o facts together( and 'hither do the& lead: I could onl& determine that b&

examining the house m&self# I 'as alread& certain that the case 'as serious( for I had examined the box-office chart at the %a&mar$et Theatre--another of +r# ,atson!s bull!s-e&es-and ascertained that neither B thirt& nor thirt&-t'o of the upper circle had been occupied that night# Therefore( /mberle& had not been to the theatre( and his alibi fell to the ground# %e made a bad slip 'hen he allo'ed m& astute friend to notice the number of the seat ta$en for his 'ife# The <uestion no' arose ho' I might be able to examine the house# I sent an agent to the most impossible )illage I could thin$ of( and summoned m& man to it at such an hour that he could not possibl& get bac$# To pre)ent an& miscarriage( +r# ,atson accompanied him# The good )icar!s name I too$( of course( out of m& Croc$ford# +o I ma$e it all clear to &ou:4 4It is masterl&(4 said the inspector in an a'ed )oice# 4There being no fear of interruption I proceeded to burgle the house# Burglar& has al'a&s been an alternati)e profession had I cared to adopt it( and I ha)e little doubt that I should ha)e come to the front# "bser)e 'hat I found# 9ou see the gas-pipe along the s$irting here# Ver& good# It rises in the angle of the 'all( and there is a tap here in the corner# The pipe runs out into the strong-room( as &ou can see( and ends in that plaster rose in the centre of the ceiling( 'here it is concealed b& the ornamentation# That end is 'ide open# /t an& moment b& turning the outside tap the room could be flooded 'ith gas# ,ith door and shutter closed and the tap full on I 'ould not gi)e t'o minutes of conscious sensation to an&one shut up in that little chamber# B& 'hat de)ilish de)ice he deco&ed them there I do not $no'( but once inside the door the& 'ere at his merc&#4 The inspector examined the pipe 'ith interest# 4"ne of our officers mentioned the smell of gas(4 said he( 4but of course the 'indo' and door 'ere open then( and the paint--or some of it--'as alread& about# %e had begun the 'or$ of painting the da& before( according to his stor&# But 'hat next( Mr# %olmes:4 4,ell( then came an incident 'hich 'as rather unexpected to m&self# I 'as slipping through the pantr& 'indo' in the earl& da'n 'hen I felt a hand inside m& collar( and a )oice said? !8o'( &ou rascal( 'hat are &ou doing in there:! ,hen I could t'ist m& head round I loo$ed into the tinted spectacles of m& friend and ri)al( Mr# Bar$er# It 'as a curious foregathering and set us both smiling# It seems that he had been engaged b& +r# Ra& 5rnest!s famil& to ma$e some in)estigations and had come to the same conclusion as to foul pla&# %e had 'atched the house for some da&s and had spotted +r# ,atson as one of the ob)iousl& suspicious characters 'ho had called there# %e could hardl& arrest ,atson( but 'hen he sa' a man actuall& climbing out of the pantr& 'indo' there came a limit to his restraint# "f course( I told him ho' matters stood and 'e continued the case together#4 4,h& him: ,h& not us:4 4Because it 'as in m& mind to put that little test 'hich ans'ered so admirabl&# I fear &ou 'ould not ha)e gone so far#4 The inspector smiled# 4,ell( ma&be not# I understand that I ha)e &our 'ord( Mr# %olmes( that &ou step right out of the case no' and that &ou turn all &our results o)er to us#4 4Certainl&( that is al'a&s m& custom#4 4,ell( in the name of the force I than$ &ou# It seems a clear case( as &ou put it( and there can!t be much difficult& o)er the bodies#4

4I!ll sho' &ou a grim little bit of e)idence(4 said %olmes( 4and I am sure /mberle& himself ne)er obser)ed it# 9ou!ll get results( Inspector( b& al'a&s putting &ourself in the other fello'!s place( and thin$ing 'hat &ou 'ould do &ourself# It ta$es some imagination( but it pa&s# 8o'( 'e 'ill suppose that &ou 'ere shut up in this little room( had not t'o minutes to li)e( but 'anted to get e)en 'ith the fiend 'ho 'as probabl& moc$ing at &ou from the other side of the door# ,hat 'ould &ou do:4 4,rite a message#4 45xactl&# 9ou 'ould li$e to tell people ho' &ou died# 8o use 'riting on paper# That 'ould be seen# If &ou 'rote on the 'all someone might rest upon it# 8o'( loo$ here6 Aust abo)e the s$irting is scribbled 'ith a purple indelible pencil? !,e 'e--! That!s all#!! 4,hat do &ou ma$e of that:4 4,ell( it!s onl& a foot abo)e the ground# The poor de)il 'as on the floor d&ing 'hen he 'rote it# %e lost his senses before he could finish#4 4%e 'as 'riting( !,e 'ere murdered#!4 4That!s ho' I read it# If &ou find an indelible pencil on the bod&--4 4,e!ll loo$ out for it( &ou ma& be sure# But those securities: Clearl& there 'as no robber& at all# /nd &et he did possess those bonds# ,e )erified that#4 49ou ma& be sure he has them hidden in a safe place# ,hen the 'hole elopement had passed into histor&( he 'ould suddenl& disco)er them and announce that the guilt& couple had relented and sent bac$ the plunder or had dropped it on the 'a&#4 49ou certainl& seem to ha)e met e)er& difficult&(4 said the inspector# 4"f course( he 'as bound to call us in( but 'h& he should ha)e gone to &ou I can!t understand#4 4Pure s'an$64 %olmes ans'ered# 4%e felt so cle)er and so sure of himself that he imagined no one could touch him# %e could sa& to an& suspicious neighbour( ! oo$ at the steps I ha)e ta$en# I ha)e consulted not onl& the police but e)en Sherloc$ %olmes#!4 The inspector laughed# 4,e must forgi)e &ou &our !e)en(! Mr# %olmes(4 said he 4it!s as 'or$manli$e a ;ob as I can remember#4 / couple of da&s later m& friend tossed across to me a cop& of the bi-'ee$l& 8orth Surre& "bser)er# 7nder a series of flaming headlines( 'hich began 'ith 4The %a)en %orror4 and ended 'ith 4Brilliant Police In)estigation(4 there 'as a pac$ed column of print 'hich ga)e the first consecuti)e account of the affair# The concluding paragraph is t&pical of the 'hole# It ran thus? The remar$able acumen b& 'hich Inspector MacBinnon deduced from the smell of paint that some other smell( that of gas( for example( might be concealed. the bold deduction that the strong-room might also be the death-chamber( and the subse<uent in<uir& 'hich led to the disco)er& of the bodies in a disused 'ell( cle)erl& concealed b& a dog$ennel( should li)e in the histor& of crime as a standing example of the intelligence of our professional detecti)es# 4,ell( 'ell( MacBinnon is a good fello'(4 said %olmes 'ith a tolerant smile# 49ou can file it in our archi)es( ,atson# Some da& the true stor& ma& be told#4

ADVENTURE '! THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE &A$%ES

I don!t thin$ that an& of m& ad)entures 'ith Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes opened <uite so abruptl&( or so dramaticall&( as that 'hich I associate 'ith The Three Gables# I had not seen %olmes for some da&s and had no idea of the ne' channel into 'hich his acti)ities had been directed# %e 'as in a chatt& mood that morning( ho'e)er( and had ;ust settled me into the 'ell-'orn lo' armchair on one side of the fire( 'hile he had curled do'n 'ith his pipe in his mouth upon the opposite chair( 'hen our )isitor arri)ed# If I had said that a mad bull had arri)ed it 'ould gi)e a clearer impression of 'hat occurred# The door had flo'n open and a huge negro had burst into the room# %e 'ould ha)e been a comic figure if he had not been terrific( for he 'as dressed in a )er& loud gra& chec$ suit 'ith a flo'ing salmon-coloured tie# %is broad face and flattened nose 'ere thrust for'ard( as his sullen dar$ e&es( 'ith a smouldering gleam of malice in them( turned from one of us to the other# 4,hich of &ou gen!l!men is Masser %olmes:4 he as$ed# %olmes raised his pipe 'ith a languid smile# 4"h6 it!s &ou( is it:4 said our )isitor( coming 'ith an unpleasant( stealth& step round the angle of the table# 4See here( Masser %olmes( &ou $eep &our hands out of other fol$s! business# ea)e fol$s to manage their o'n affairs# Got that( Masser %olmes:4 4Beep on tal$ing(4 said %olmes# 4It!s fine#4 4"h6 it!s fine( is it:4 gro'led the sa)age# 4It 'on!t be so damn fine if I ha)e to trim &ou up a bit# I!)e handled &our $ind before no'( and the& didn!t loo$ fine 'hen I 'as through 'ith them# oo$ at that( Masser %olmes64 %e s'ung a huge $notted lump of a fist under m& friend!s nose# %olmes examined it closel& 'ith an air of great interest# 4,ere &ou born so:4 he as$ed# 4"r did it come b& degrees:4 It ma& ha)e been the ic& coolness of m& friend( or it ma& ha)e been the slight clatter 'hich I made as I pic$ed up the po$er# In an& case( our )isitor!s manner became less flambo&ant# 4,ell( I!)e gi)en &ou fair 'arnin!(4 said he# 4I!)e a friend that!s interested out %arro' 'a&--&ou $no' 'hat I!m meaning--and he don!t intend to ha)e no buttin! in b& &ou# Got that: 9ou ain!t the la'( and I ain!t the la' either( and if &ou come in I!ll be on hand also# +on!t &ou forget it#4 4I!)e 'anted to meet &ou for some time(4 said %olmes# 4I 'on!t as$ &ou to sit do'n( for I don!t li$e the smell of &ou( but aren!t &ou Ste)e +ixie( the bruiser:4 4That!s m& name( Masser %olmes( and &ou!ll get put through it for sure if &ou gi)e me an& lip#4 4It is certainl& the last thing &ou need(4 said %olmes( staring at our )isitor!s hideous mouth# 4But it 'as the $illing of &oung Per$ins outside the %olborn--Bar ,hat6 &ou!re not going:4 The negro had sprung bac$( and his face 'as leaden# 4I 'on!t listen to no such tal$(4 said he# 4,hat ha)e I to do 'ith this !ere Per$ins( Masser %olmes: I 'as trainin! at the Bull Ring in Birmingham 'hen this bo& done gone get into trouble#4 49es( &ou!ll tell the magistrate about it( Ste)e(4 said %olmes# 4I!)e been 'atching &ou and Barne& Stoc$dale--4 4So help me the ord6 Masser %olmes--4

4That!s enough# Get out of it# I!ll pic$ &ou up 'hen I 'ant &ou#4 4Good-mornin!( Masser %olmes# I hope there ain!t no hard feelin!s about this !ere )isit:4 4There 'ill be unless &ou tell me 'ho sent &ou#4 4,h&( there ain!t no secret about that( Masser %olmes# It 'as that same gen!l!man that &ou ha)e ;ust done gone mention#4 4/nd 'ho set him on to it:4 4S!elp me# I don!t $no'( Masser %olmes# %e ;ust sa&( !Ste)e( &ou go see Mr# %olmes( and tell him his life ain!t safe if he go do'n %arro' 'a&#! That!s the 'hole truth#4 ,ithout 'aiting for an& further <uestioning( our )isitor bolted out of the room almost as precipitatel& as he had entered# %olmes $noc$ed out the ashes of his pipe 'ith a <uiet chuc$le# 4I am glad &ou 'ere not forced to brea$ his 'ooll& head( ,atson# I obser)ed &our manoeu)res 'ith the po$er# But he is reall& rather a harmless fello'( a great muscular( foolish( blustering bab&( and easil& co'ed( as &ou ha)e seen# %e is one of the Spencer Aohn gang and has ta$en part in some dirt& 'or$ of late 'hich I ma& clear up 'hen I ha)e time# %is immediate principal( Barne&( is a more astute person# The& specialize in assaults( intimidation( and the li$e# ,hat I 'ant to $no' is( 'ho is at the bac$ of them on this particular occasion:4 4But 'h& do the& 'ant to intimidate &ou:4 4It is this %arro' ,eald case# It decides me to loo$ into the matter( for if it is 'orth an&one!s 'hile to ta$e so much trouble( there must be something in it#4 4But 'hat is it:4 4I 'as going to tell &ou 'hen 'e had this comic interlude# %ere is Mrs# Maberle&!s note# If &ou care to come 'ith me 'e 'ill 'ire her and go out at once#4 +5/R MR# S%5R "CB %" M5S GI readH? I ha)e had a succession of strange incidents occur to me in connection 'ith this house( and I should much )alue &our ad)ice# 9ou 'ould find me at home an& time to-morro'# The house is 'ithin a short 'al$ of the ,eald Station# I belie)e that m& late husband( Mortimer Maberle&( 'as one of &our earl& clients# 9ours faithfull&( M/R9 M/B5R 59# The address 'as 4The Three Gables( %arro' ,eald#4 4So that!s that64 said %olmes# 4/nd no'( if &ou can spare the time( ,atson( 'e 'ill get upon our 'a&#4 / short rail'a& ;ourne&( and a shorter dri)e( brought us to the house( a bric$ and timber )illa( standing in its o'n acre of unde)eloped grassland# Three small pro;ections abo)e# the upper 'indo's made a feeble attempt to ;ustif& its name# Behind 'as a gro)e of melanchol&( halfgro'n pines( and the 'hole aspect of the place 'as poor and depressing# 8one the less( 'e found the house to be 'ell furnished( and the lad& 'ho recei)ed us 'as a most engaging elderl& person( 'ho bore e)er& mar$ of refinement and culture# 4I remember &our husband 'ell( madam(4 said %olmes( 4though it is some &ears since he used m& ser)ices in some trifling matter#4 4Probabl& &ou 'ould be more familiar 'ith the name of m& son +ouglas#4

%olmes loo$ed at her 'ith great interest# 4+ear me6 /re &ou the mother of +ouglas Maberle&: I $ne' him slightl&# But of course all ondon $ne' him# ,hat a magnificent creature he 'as6 ,here is he no':4 4+ead( Mr# %olmes( dead6 %e 'as attache at Rome( and he died there of pneumonia last month#4 4I am sorr&# "ne could not connect death 'ith such a man# I ha)e ne)er $no'n an&one so )itall& ali)e# %e li)ed intensel&--e)er& fibre of him64 4Too intensel&( Mr# %olmes# That 'as the ruin of him# 9ou remember him as he 'as--debonair and splendid# 9ou did not see the mood&( morose( brooding creature into 'hich he de)eloped# %is heart 'as bro$en# In a single month I seemed to see m& gallant bo& turn into a 'orn-out c&nical man#4 4/ lo)e affair--a 'oman:4 4"r a fiend# ,ell( it 'as not to tal$ of m& poor lad that I as$ed &ou to come( Mr# %olmes#4 4+r# ,atson and I are at &our ser)ice#4 4There ha)e been some )er& strange happenings# I ha)e been in this house more than a &ear no'( and as I 'ished to lead a retired life I ha)e seen little of m& neighbours# Three da&s ago I had a call from a man 'ho said that he 'as a house agent# %e said that this house 'ould exactl& suit a client of his( and that if I 'ould part 'ith it mone& 'ould be no ob;ect# It seemed to me )er& strange as there are se)eral empt& houses on the mar$et 'hich appear to be e<uall& eligible( but naturall& I 'as interested in 'hat he said# I therefore named a price 'hich 'as fi)e hundred pounds more than I ga)e# %e at once closed 'ith the offer( but added that his client desired to bu& the furniture as 'ell and 'ould I put a price upon it# Some of this furniture is from m& old home( and it is( as &ou see( )er& good( so that I named a good round sum# To this also he at once agreed# I had al'a&s 'anted to tra)el( and the bargain 'as so good a one that it reall& seemed that I should be m& o'n mistress for the rest of m& life# 49esterda& the man arri)ed 'ith the agreement all dra'n out# uc$il& I sho'ed it to Mr# Sutro( m& la'&er( 'ho li)es in %arro'# %e said to me( !This is a )er& strange document# /re &ou a'are that if &ou sign it &ou could not legall& ta$e an&thing out of the house--not e)en &our o'n pri)ate possessions:! ,hen the man came again in the e)ening I pointed this out( and I said that I meant onl& to sell the furniture# 4!8o( no( e)er&thing(! said he# 4!But m& clothes: M& ;e'els:! 4!,ell( 'ell( some concession might be made for &our personal effects# But nothing shall go out of the house unchec$ed# M& client is a )er& liberal man( but he has his fads and his o'n 'a& of doing things# It is e)er&thing or nothing 'ith him#! 4!Then it must be nothing(! said I# /nd there the matter 'as left( but the 'hole thing seemed to me to be so unusual that I thought--4 %ere 'e had a )er& extraordinar& interruption# %olmes raised his hand for silence# Then he strode across the room( flung open the door( and dragged in a great gaunt 'oman 'hom he had seized b& the shoulder# She entered 'ith ungainl& struggle li$e some huge a'$'ard chic$en( torn( s<ua'$ing( out of its coop# 4 ea)e me alone6 ,hat are &ou a-doin! of:4 she screeched#

4,h&( Susan( 'hat is this:4 4,ell( ma!am( I 'as comin! in to as$ if the )isitors 'as sta&in! for lunch 'hen this man ;umped out at me#4 4I ha)e been listening to her for the last fi)e minutes( but did not 'ish to interrupt &our most interesting narrati)e# Aust a little 'heez&( Susan( are &ou not: 9ou breathe too hea)il& for that $ind of 'or$#4 Susan turned a sul$& but amazed face upon her captor# 4,ho be &ou( an&ho'( and 'hat right ha)e &ou a-pullin! me about li$e this:4 4It 'as merel& that I 'ished to as$ a <uestion in &our presence# +id &ou( Mrs# Maberle&( mention to an&one that &ou 'ere going to 'rite to me and consult me:4 48o( Mr# %olmes( I did not#4 4,ho posted &our letter:4 4Susan did#4 45xactl&# 8o'( Susan( to 'hom 'as it that &ou 'rote or sent a message to sa& that &our mistress 'as as$ing ad)ice from me:4 4It!s a lie# I sent no message#4 48o'( Susan( 'heez& people ma& not li)e long( &ou $no'# It!s a 'ic$ed thing to tell fibs# ,hom did &ou tell:4 4Susan64 cried her mistress( 4I belie)e &ou are a bad( treacherous 'oman# I remember no' that I sa' &ou spea$ing to someone o)er the hedge#4 4That 'as m& o'n business(4 said the 'oman sullenl&# 4Suppose I tell &ou that it 'as Barne& Stoc$dale to 'hom &ou spo$e:4 said %olmes# 4,ell( if &ou $no'( 'hat do &ou 'ant to as$ for:4 4I 'as not sure( but I $no' no'# ,ell no'( Susan( it 'ill be 'orth ten pounds to &ou if &ou 'ill tell me 'ho is at the bac$ of Barne&#4 4Someone that could la& do'n a thousand pounds for e)er& ten &ou ha)e in the 'orld#4 4So( a rich man: 8o. &ou smiled--a rich 'oman# 8o' 'e ha)e got so far( &ou ma& as 'ell gi)e the name and earn the tenner#4 4I!ll see &ou in hell first#4 4"h( Susan6 anguage64 4I am clearing out of here# I!)e had enough of &ou all# I!ll send for m& box to-morro'#4 She flounced for the door# 4Good-b&e( Susan# Paregoric is the stuff#### 8o'(4 he continued( turning suddenl& from li)el& to se)ere 'hen the door had closed behind the flushed and angr& 'oman( 4this gang means business# oo$ ho' close the& pla& the game# 9our letter to me had the 0C P#M# postmar$# /nd &et Susan passes the 'ord to Barne&# Barne& has time to go to his emplo&er and get instructions. he or she--I incline to the latter from Susan!s grin 'hen she thought I had blundered--forms a plan# Blac$ Ste)e is called in( and I am 'arned off b& ele)en o!cloc$ next morning# That!s <uic$ 'or$( &ou $no'#4

4But 'hat do the& 'ant:4 49es( that!s the <uestion# ,ho had the house before &ou:4 4/ retired sea captain called *erguson#4 4/n&thing remar$able about him:4 48ot that e)er I heard of#4 4I 'as 'ondering 'hether he could ha)e buried something# "f course( 'hen people bur& treasure no'ada&s the& do it in the Post-"ffice ban$# But there are al'a&s some lunatics about# It 'ould be a dull 'orld 'ithout them# /t first I thought of some buried )aluable# But 'h&( in that case( should the& 'ant &our furniture: 9ou don!t happen to ha)e a Raphael or a first folio Sha$espeare 'ithout $no'ing it:4 48o( I don!t thin$ I ha)e an&thing rarer than a Cro'n +erb& tea-set#4 4That 'ould hardl& ;ustif& all this m&ster&# Besides( 'h& should the& not openl& state 'hat the& 'ant: If the& co)et &our tea-set( the& can surel& offer a price for it 'ithout bu&ing &ou out( loc$( stoc$( and barrel# 8o( as I read it( there is something 'hich &ou do not $no' that &ou ha)e( and 'hich &ou 'ould not gi)e up if &ou did $no'#4 4That is ho' I read it(4 said I# 4+r# ,atson agrees( so that settles it#4 4,ell( Mr# %olmes( 'hat can it be:4 4 et us see 'hether b& this purel& mental anal&sis 'e can get it to a finer point# 9ou ha)e been in this house a &ear#4 48earl& t'o#4 4/ll the better# +uring this long period no one 'ants an&thing from &ou# 8o' suddenl& 'ithin three or four da&s &ou ha)e urgent demands# ,hat 'ould &ou gather from that:4 4It can onl& mean(4 said I( 4that the ob;ect( 'hate)er it ma& be( has onl& ;ust come into the house#4 4Settled once again(4 said %olmes# 48o'( Mrs# Maberle& has an& ob;ect ;ust arri)ed:4 48o( I ha)e bought nothing ne' this &ear#4 4Indeed6 That is )er& remar$able# ,ell( I thin$ 'e had best let matters de)elop a little further until 'e ha)e clearer data# Is that la'&er of &ours a capable man:4 4Mr# Sutro is most capable#4 4%a)e &ou another maid( or 'as the fair Susan( 'ho has ;ust banged &our front door alone:4 4I ha)e a &oung girl#4 4Tr& and get Sutro to spend a night or t'o in the house# 9ou might possibl& 'ant protection#4 4/gainst 'hom:4 4,ho $no's: The matter is certainl& obscure# If I can!t find 'hat the& are after( I must approach the matter from the other end and tr& to get at the principal# +id this house-agent man gi)e an& address:4 4Simpl& his card and occupation# %aines-Aohnson( /uctioneer and Valuer#4

4I don!t thin$ 'e shall find him in the director&# %onest business men don!t conceal their place of business# ,ell( &ou 'ill let me $no' an& fresh de)elopment# I ha)e ta$en up &our case( and &ou ma& rel& upon it that I shall see it through#4 /s 'e passed through the hall %olmes!s e&es( 'hich missed nothing( lighted upon se)eral trun$s and cases 'hich 'ere piled in a corner# The labels shone out upon them# 4!Milano#! ! ucerne#! These are from Ital&#4 4The& are poor +ouglas!s things#4 49ou ha)e not unpac$ed them: %o' long ha)e &ou had them:4 4The& arri)ed last 'ee$#4 4But &ou said--'h&( surel& this might be the missing lin$# %o' do 'e $no' that there is not something of )alue there:4 4There could not possibl& be( Mr# %olmes# Poor +ouglas had onl& his pa& and a small annuit&# ,hat could he ha)e of )alue:4 %olmes 'as lost in thought# 4+ela& no longer( Mrs# Maberle&(4 he said at last# 4%a)e these things ta$en upstairs to &our bedroom# 5xamine them as soon as possible and see 'hat the& cohtain# I 'ill come tomorro' and hear &our report#4 It 'as <uite e)ident that The Three Gables 'as under )er& close sur)eillance( for as 'e came round the high hedge at the end of the lane there 'as the negro prize-fighter standing in the shado'# ,e came on him <uite suddenl&( and a grim and menacing figure he loo$ed in that lonel& place# %olmes clapped his hand to his poc$et# 4 oo$in! for &our gun( Masser %olmes:4 48o( for m& scent-bottle( Ste)e#4 49ou are funn&( Masser %olmes( ain!t &ou:4 4It 'on!t be funn& for &ou( Ste)e( if I get after &ou# I ga)e &ou fair 'arning this morning#4 4,ell( Masser %olmes( I done gone thin$ o)er 'hat &ou said( and I don!t 'ant no more tal$ about that affair of Masser Per$ins# S!pose I can help &ou( Masser %olmes( I 'ill#4 4,ell( then( tell me 'ho is behind &ou on this ;ob#4 4So help me the ord6 Masser %olmes( I told &ou the truth before# I don!t $no'# M& boss Barne& gi)es me orders and that!s all#4 4,ell( ;ust bear in mind( Ste)e( that the lad& in that house( and e)er&thing under that roof( is under m& protection# +on!t forget it#4 4/ll right( Masser %olmes# I!ll remember#4 4I!)e got him thoroughl& frightened for his o'n s$in( ,atson(4 %olmes remar$ed as 'e 'al$ed on# 4I thin$ he 'ould double-cross his emplo&er if he $ne' 'ho he 'as# It 'as luc$& I had some $no'ledge of the Spencer Aohn cro'd( and that Ste)e 'as one of them# 8o'( ,atson( this is a case for angdale Pi$e( and I am going to see him no'# ,hen I get bac$ I ma& be clearer in the matter#4 I sa' no more of %olmes during the da&( but I could 'ell imagine ho' he spent it( for angdale Pi$e 'as his human boo$ of reference upon all matters of social scandal# This

strange( languid creature spent his 'a$ing hours in the bo' 'indo' of a St# Aames!s Street club and 'as the recei)ing-station as 'ell as the transmitter for all the gossip of the metropolis# %e made( it 'as said( a four-figure income b& the paragraphs 'hich he contributed e)er& 'ee$ to the garbage papers 'hich cater to an in<uisiti)e public# If e)er( far do'n in the turbid depths of ondon life( there 'as some strange s'irl or edd&( it 'as mar$ed 'ith automatic exactness b& this human dial upon the surface# %olmes discreetl& helped angdale to $no'ledge( and on occasion 'as helped in turn# ,hen I met m& friend in his room earl& next morning( I 'as conscious from his bearing that all 'as 'ell( but none the less a most unpleasant surprise 'as a'aiting us# It too$ the shape of the follo'ing telegram#
Please come out at once# Client!s house burgled in the night# Police in possession#

S7TR"# %olmes 'histled# 4The drama has come to a crisis( and <uic$er than I had expected# There is a great dri)ing-po'er at the bac$ of this business( ,atson( 'hich does not surprise me after 'hat I ha)e heard# This Sutro( of course( is her la'&er# I made a mista$e( I fear( in not as$ing &ou to spend the night on guard# This fello' has clearl& pro)ed a bro$en reed# ,ell( there is nothing for it but another ;ourne& to %arro' ,eald#4 ,e found The Three Gables a )er& different establishment to the orderl& household of the pre)ious da&# / small group of idlers had assembled at the garden gate( 'hile a couple of constables 'ere examining the 'indo's and the geranium beds# ,ithin 'e met a gra& old gentleman( 'ho introduced himself as the la'&er together 'ith a bustling( rubicund inspector( 'ho greeted %oimes as an old friend# 4,ell( Mr# %olmes( no chance for &ou in this case( I!m afraid# Aust a common( ordinar& burglar&( and 'ell 'ithin the capacit& of the poor old police# 8o experts need appl&#4 4I am sure the case is in )er& good hands(4 said %olmes# 4Merel& a common burglar&( &ou sa&:4 4Fuite so# ,e $no' prett& 'ell 'ho the men are and 'here to find them# It is that gang of Barne& Stoc$dale( 'ith the big nigger in it-- the&!)e been seen about here#4 45xcellent6 ,hat did the& get:4 4,ell( the& don!t seem to ha)e got much# Mrs# Maberle& 'as chloroformed and the house 'as--/h6 here is the lad& herself#4 "ur friend of &esterda&( loo$ing )er& pale and ill( had entered the room( leaning upon a little maidser)ant# 49ou ga)e me good ad)ice( Mr# %olmes(4 said she( smiling ruefull&# 4/las( I did not ta$e it6 I did not 'ish to trouble Mr# Sutro( and so I 'as unprotected#4 4I onl& heard of it this morning(4 the la'&er explained# 4Mr# %olmes ad)ised me to ha)e some friend in the house# I neglected his ad)ice( and I ha)e paid for it#4 49ou loo$ 'retchedl& ill(4 said %olmes# 4Perhaps &ou are hardl& e<ual to telling me 'hat occurred#4 4It is all here(4 said the inspector( tapping a bul$& noteboo$#

4Still( if the lad& is not too exhausted--4 4There is reall& so little to tell# I ha)e no doubt that 'ic$ed Susan had planned an entrance for them# The& must ha)e $no'n the house to an inch# I 'as conscious for a moment of the chloroform rag 'hich 'as thrust o)er m& mouth( but I ha)e no notion ho' long I ma& ha)e been senseless# ,hen I 'o$e( one man 'as at the bedside and another 'as rising 'ith a bundle in his hand from among m& son!s baggage( 'hich 'as partiall& opened and littered o)er the floor# Before he could get a'a& I sprang up and seized him#4 49ou too$ a big ris$(4 said the inspector# 4I clung to him( but he shoo$ me off( and the other ma& ha)e struc$ me( for I can remember no more# Mar& the maid heard the noise and began screaming out of the 'indo'# That brought the police( but the rascals had got a'a&#4 4,hat did the& ta$e:4 4,ell( I don!t thin$ there is an&thing of )alue missing# I am sure there 'as nothing in m& son!s trun$s#4 4+id the men lea)e no clue:4 4There 'as one sheet of paper 'hich I ma& ha)e torn from the man that I grasped# It 'as l&ing all crumpled on the floor# It is in m& son!s hand'riting#4 4,hich means that it is not of much use(4 said the inspector# 48o' if it had been in the burglar!s--4 45xactl&(4 said %olmes# 4,hat rugged common sense6 8one the less( I should be curious to see it#4 The inspector dre' a folded sheet of foolscap from his poc$etboo$# 4I ne)er pass an&thing( ho'e)er trifling(4 said he 'ith some pomposit&# 4That is m& ad)ice to &ou( Mr# %olmes# In t'ent&fi)e &ears! experience I ha)e learned m& lesson# There is al'a&s the chance of finger-mar$s or something#4 %olmes inspected the sheet of paper# 4,hat do &ou ma$e of it( Inspector:4 4Seems to be the end of some <ueer no)el( so far as I can see#4 4It ma& certainl& pro)e to be the end of a <ueer tale(4 said %olmes# 49ou ha)e noticed the number on the top of the page# It is t'o hundred and fort&-fi)e# ,here are the odd t'o hundred and fort&-four pages:4 4,ell( I suppose the burglars got those# Much good ma& it do them64 4It seems a <ueer thing to brea$ into a house in order to steal such papers as that# +oes it suggest an&thing to &ou( Inspector:4 49es( sir( it suggests that in their hurr& the rascals ;ust grabbed at 'hat came first to hand# I 'ish them ;o& of 'hat the& got#4 4,h& should the& go to m& son!s things:4 as$ed Mrs# Maberle&# 4,ell( the& found nothing )aluable do'nstairs( so the& tried their luc$ upstairs# That is ho' I read it# ,hat do &ou ma$e of it( Mr# %olmes:4

4I must thin$ it o)er( Inspector# Come to the 'indo'( ,atson#4 Then( as 'e stood together( he read o)er the fragment of paper# It began in the middle of a sentence and ran li$e this? 4###face bled considerabl& from the cuts and blo's( but it 'as nothing to the bleeding of his heart as he sa' that lo)el& face( the face for 'hich he had been prepared to sacrifice his )er& life( loo$ing out at his agon& and humiliation# She smiled--&es( b& %ea)en6 she smiled( li$e the heartless fiend she 'as( as he loo$ed up at her# It 'as at that moment that lo)e died and hate 'as born# Man must li)e for something# If it is not for &our embrace( m& lad&( then it shall surel& be for &our undoing and m& complete re)enge#4 4Fueer grammar64 said %olmes 'ith a smile as he handed the paper bac$ to the inspector# 4+id &ou notice ho' the !he! suddenl& changed to !m&!: The 'riter 'as so carried a'a& b& his o'n stor& that he imagined himself at the supreme moment to be the hero#4 4It seemed might& poor stuff(4 said the inspector as he replaced it in his boo$# 4,hat6 are &ou off( Mr# %olmes:4 4I don!t thin$ there is an&thing more for me to do no' that the case is in such capable hands# B& the 'a&( Mrs# Maberle&( did &ou sa& &ou 'ished to tra)el:4 4It has al'a&s been m& dream( Mr# %olmes#4 4,here 'ould &ou li$e to go--Cairo( Madeira( the Ri)iera:4 4"h if I had the mone& I 'ould go round the 'orld#4 4Fuite so# Round the 'orld# ,ell( good-morning# I ma& drop &ou a line in the e)ening#4 /s 'e passed the 'indo' I caught a glimpse of the inspector!s smile and sha$e of the head# 4These cle)er fello's ha)e al'a&s a touch of madness#4 That 'as 'hat I read in the inspector!s smile# 48o'( ,atson( 'e are at the last lap of our little ;ourne&(4 said %olmes 'hen 'e 'ere bac$ in the roar of central ondon once more# 4I thin$ 'e had best clear the matter up at once( and it 'ould be 'ell that &ou should come 'ith me( for it is safer to ha)e a 'itness 'hen &ou are dealing 'ith such a lad& as Isadora Blein#4 ,e had ta$en a cab and 'ere speeding to some address in Gros)enor S<uare# %olmes had been sun$ in thought( but he roused himself suddenl&# 4B& the 'a&( ,atson( I suppose &ou see it all clearl&:4 48o( I can!t sa& that I do# I onl& gather that 'e are going to see the lad& 'ho is behind all this mischief#4 45xactl&6 But does the name Isadora Blein con)e& nothing to &ou: She 'as( of course( the celebrated beaut&# There 'as ne)er a 'oman to touch her# She is pure Spanish( the real blood of the masterfui Con<uistadors( and her people ha)e been leaders in Pernambuco for generations# She married the aged German sugar $ing( Blein( and presentl& found herself the richest as 'ell as the most lo)el& 'ido' upon earth# Then there 'as an inter)al of ad)enture 'hen she pleased her o'n tastes# She had se)eral lo)ers( and +ouglas Maberle&( one of the most stri$ing men in ondon( 'as one of them# It 'as b& all accounts more than an ad)enture 'ith him# %e 'as not a societ& butterfl& but a strong( proud man 'ho ga)e and expected all# But she is the !belle dame sans merci! of fiction# ,hen her caprice is satisfied the matter is ended( and if the other part& in the matter can!t ta$e her 'ord for it she $no's ho' to bring it home to him#4 4Then that 'as his o'n stor&--4

4/h6 &ou are piecing it together no'# I hear that she is about to marr& the &oung +u$e of omond( 'ho might almost be her son# %is Grace!s ma might o)erloo$ the age( but a big scandal 'ould be a different matter( so it is imperati)e--/h6 here 'e are#4 It 'as one of the finest corner-houses of the ,est 5nd# / machine-li$e footman too$ up our cards and returned 'ith 'ord that the lad& 'as not at home# 4Then 'e shall 'ait until she is(4 said %olmes cheerfull&# The machine bro$e do'n# 48ot at home means not at home to &ou(4 said the footman# 4Good(4 %olmes ans'ered# 4That means that 'e shall not ha)e to 'ait# Bindl& gi)e this note to &our mistress#4 %e scribbled three or four 'ords upon a sheet of his noteboo$( folded it( and handed it to the man# 4,hat did &ou sa&( %olmes:4 I as$ed# 4I simpl& 'rote? !Shall it be the police( then:! I thin$ that should pass us in#4 It did--'ith amazing celerit&# / minute later 'e 'ere in an /rabian 8ights dra'ing-room( )ast and 'onderful( in a half gloom( pic$ed out 'ith an occasional pin$ electric light# The lad& had come( I felt( to that time of life 'hen e)en the proudest beaut& finds the half light more 'elcome# She rose from a settee as 'e entered? tall( <ueenl&( a perfect figure( a lo)el& mas$li$e face( 'ith t'o 'onderful Spanish e&es 'hich loo$ed murder at us both# 4,hat is this intrusion--and this insulting message:4 she as$ed( holding up the slip of paper# 4I need not explain( madame# I ha)e too much respect for &our intelligence to do so--though I confess that intelligence has been surprisingl& at fault of late#4 4%o' so( sir:4 4B& supposing that &our hired bullies could frighten me from m& 'or$# Surel& no man 'ould ta$e up m& profession if it 'ere not that danger attracts him# It 'as &ou( then( 'ho forced me to examine the case of &oung Maberle&#4 4I ha)e no idea 'hat &ou are tal$ing about# ,hat ha)e I to do 'ith hired bullies:4 %olmes turned a'a& 'earil&# 49es( I ha)e underrated &our intelligence# ,ell( good-afternoon64 4Stop6 ,here are &ou going:4 4To Scotland 9ard#4 ,e had not got half'a& to the door before she had o)erta$en us and 'as holding his arm# She had turned in a moment from steel to )el)et# 4Come and sit do'n( gentlemen# et us tal$ this matter o)er# I feel that I ma& be fran$ 'ith &ou( Mr# %olmes# 9ou ha)e the feelings of a gentleman# %o' <uic$ a 'oman!s instinct is to find it out# I 'ill treat &ou as a friend#4 4I cannot promise to reciprocate( madame# I am not the la'( but I represent ;ustice so far as m& feeble po'ers go# I am read& to listen( and then I 'ill tell &ou ho' I 'ill act#4 48o doubt it 'as foolish of me to threaten a bra)e man li$e &ourself#4

4,hat 'as reall& foolish( madame( is that &ou ha)e placed &ourself in the po'er of a band of rascals 'ho ma& blac$mail or gi)e &ou a'a&#4 48o( no6 I am not so simple# Since I ha)e promised to be fran$( I ma& sa& that no one( sa)e Barne& Stoc$dale and Susan( his 'ife( ha)e the least idea 'ho their emplo&er is# /s to them( 'ell( it is not the first --4 She smiled and nodded 'ith a charming co<uettish intimac&# 4I see# 9ou!)e tested them before#4 4The& are good hounds 'ho run silent#4 4Such hounds ha)e a 'a& sooner or later of biting the hand that feeds them# The& 'ill be arrested for this burglar&# The police are alread& after them#4 4The& 'ill ta$e 'hat comes to them# That is 'hat the& are paid for# I shall not appear in the matter#4 47nless I bring &ou into it#4 48o( no( &ou 'ould not# 9ou are a gentleman# It is a 'oman!s secret#4 4In the first place( &ou must gi)e bac$ this manuscript#4 She bro$e into a ripple of laughter and 'al$ed to the fireplace# There 'as a calcined mass 'hich she bro$e up 'ith the po$er# 4Shall I gi)e this bac$:4 she as$ed# So roguish and ex<uisite did she loo$ as she stood before us 'ith a challenging smile that I felt of all %olmes!s criminals this 'as the one 'hom he 'ould find it hardest to face# %o'e)er( he 'as immune from sentiment# 4That seals &our fate(4 he said coldl&# 49ou are )er& prompt in &our actions( madame( but &ou ha)e o)erdone it on this occasion#4 She thre' the po$er do'n 'ith a clatter# 4%o' hard &ou are64 she cried# 4Ma& I tell &ou the 'hole stor&:4 4I fanc& I could tell it to &ou#4 4But &ou must loo$ at it 'ith m& e&es( Mr# %olmes# 9ou must realize it from the point of )ie' of a 'oman 'ho sees all her life!s ambition about to be ruined at the last moment# Is such a 'oman to be blamed if she protects herself:4 4The original sin 'as &ours#4 49es( &es6 I admit it# %e 'as a dear bo&( +ouglas( but it so chanced that he could not fit into m& plans# %e 'anted marriage--marriage( Mr# %olmes--'ith a penniless commoner# 8othing less 'ould ser)e him# Then he became pertinacious# Because I had gi)en he seemed to thin$ that I still must gi)e( and to him onl&# It 'as intolerable# /t last I had to ma$e him realize it#4 4B& hiring ruffians to beat him under &our o'n 'indo'#4 49ou do indeed seem to $no' e)er&thing# ,ell( it is true# Barne& and the bo&s dro)e him a'a&( and 'ere( I admit( a little rough in doing so# But 'hat did he do then: Could I ha)e belie)ed that a gentleman 'ould do such an act: %e 'rote a boo$ in 'hich he described his o'n stor&# I( of course( 'as the 'olf. he the lamb# It 'as all there( under different names( of course. but 'ho in all ondon 'ould ha)e failed to recognize it: ,hat do &ou sa& to that( Mr# %olmes:4 4,ell( he 'as 'ithin his rights#4

4It 'as as if the air of Ital& had got into his blood and brought 'ith it the old cruel Italian spirit# %e 'rote to me and sent me a cop& of his boo$ that I might ha)e the torture of anticipation# There 'ere t'o copies( he said--one for me( one for his publisher#4 4%o' did &ou $no' the publisher!s had not reached him:4 4I $ne' 'ho his publisher 'as# It is not his onl& no)el( &ou $no'# I found out that he had not heard from Ital&# Then came +ouglas!s sudden death# So long as that other manuscript 'as in the 'orld there 'as no safet& for me# "f course( it must be among his effects( and these 'ould be returned to his mother# I set the gang at 'or$# "ne of them got into the house as ser)ant# I 'anted to do the thing honestl&# I reall& and trul& did# I 'as read& to bu& the house and e)er&thing in it# I offered an& price she cared to as$# I onl& tried the other 'a& 'hen e)er&thing else had failed# 8o'( Mr# %olmes( granting that I 'as too hard on +ouglas--and( God $no's( I am sorr& for it6--'hat else could I do 'ith m& 'hole future at sta$e:4 Sherloc$ %olmes shrugged his shoulders# 4,ell( 'ell(4 said he( 4I suppose I shall ha)e to compound a felon& as usual# %o' much does it cost to go round the 'orld in first-class st&le:4 The lad& stared in amazement# 4Could it be done on fi)e thousand pounds:4 4,ell( I should thin$ so( indeed64 4Ver& good# I thin$ &ou 'ill sign me a chec$ for that( and I 'ill see that it comes to Mrs# Maberle&# 9ou o'e her a little change of air# Meantime( lad&4--he 'agged a cautionar& forefinger--4ha)e a care6 %a)e a care6 9ou can!t pla& 'ith edged tools fore)er 'ithout cutting those daint& hands#4

ADVENTURE '! THE ADVENTURE OF THE % ON(S "ANE

It is a most singular thing that a problem 'hich 'as certainl& as abstruse and unusual as an& 'hich I ha)e faced in m& long professional career should ha)e come to me after m& retirement( and be brought( as it 'ere( to m& )er& door# It occurred after m& 'ithdra'al to m& little Sussex home( 'hen I had gi)en m&self up entirel& to that soothing life of 8ature for 'hich I had so often &earned during the long &ears spent amid the gloom of ondon# /t this period of m& life the good ,atson had passed almost be&ond m& $en# /n occasional 'ee$end )isit 'as the most that I e)er sa' of him# Thus I must act as m& o'n chronicler# /h6 had he but been 'ith me( ho' much he might ha)e made of so 'onderful a happening and of m& e)entual triumph against e)er& difficult&6 /s it is( ho'e)er( I must needs tell m& tale in m& o'n plain 'a&( sho'ing b& m& 'ords each step upon the difficult road 'hich la& before me as I searched for the m&ster& of the ion!s Mane# M& )illa is situated upon the southern slope of the do'ns( commanding a great )ie' of the Channel# /t this point the coast-line is entirel& of chal$ cliffs( 'hich can onl& be descended b& a single( long( tortuous path( 'hich is steep and slipper&# /t the bottom of the path lie a hundred &ards of pebbles and shingle( e)en 'hen the tide is at full# %ere and there( ho'e)er( there are cur)es and hollo's 'hich ma$e splendid s'immingpools filled afresh 'ith each flo'# This admirable beach extends for some miles in each direction( sa)e onl& at one point 'here the little co)e and )illage of *ul'orth brea$ the line#

M& house is lonel&# I( m& old house$eeper( and m& bees ha)e the estate all to oursel)es# %alf a mile off( ho'e)er( is %arold Stac$hurst!s 'ell-$no'n coaching establishment( The Gables( <uite a large place( 'hich contains some score of &oung fello's preparing for )arious professions( 'ith a staff of se)eral masters# Stac$hurst himself 'as a 'ell-$no'n ro'ing Blue in his da&( and an excellent all-round scholar# %e and I 'ere al'a&s friendl& from the da& I came to the coast( and he 'as the one man 'ho 'as on such terms 'ith me that 'e could drop in on each other in the e)enings 'ithout an in)itation# To'ards the end of Aul&( 03C2( there 'as a se)ere gale( the 'ind blo'ing up-channel( heaping the seas to the base of the cliffs and lea)ing a lagoon at the turn of the tide# "n the morning of 'hich I spea$ the 'ind had abated( and all 8ature 'as ne'l& 'ashed and fresh# It 'as impossible to 'or$ upon so delightful a da&( and I strolled out before brea$fast to en;o& the ex<uisite air# I 'al$ed along the cliff path 'hich led to the steep descent to the beach# /s I 'al$ed I heard a shout behind me( and there 'as %arold Stac$hurst 'a)ing his hand in cheer& greeting# 4,hat a morning( Mr# %olmes6 I thought I should see &ou out#4 4Going for a s'im( I see#4 4/t &our old tric$s again(4 he laughed( patting his bulging poc$et# 49es# McPherson started earl&( and I expect I ma& find him there#4 *itzro& McPherson 'as the science master( a fine upstanding &oung fello' 'hose life had been crippled b& heart trouble follo'ing rheumatic fe)er# %e 'as a natural athlete( ho'e)er( and excelled in e)er& game 'hich did not thro' too great a strain upon him# Summer and 'inter he 'ent for his s'im( and( as I am a s'immer m&self( I ha)e often ;oined him# /t this moment 'e sa' the man himself# %is head sho'ed abo)e the edge of the cliff 'here the path ends# Then his 'hole figure appeared at the top( staggering li$e a drun$en man# The next instant he thre' up his hands and( 'ith a terrible cr&( fell upon his face# Stac$hurst and I rushed for'ard--it ma& ha)e been fift& &ards--and turned him on his bac$# %e 'as ob)iousl& d&ing# Those glazed sun$en e&es and dreadful li)id chee$s could mean nothing else# "ne glimmer of life came into his face for an instant( and he uttered t'o or three 'ords 'ith an eager air of 'arning# The& 'ere slurred and indistinct( but to m& ear the last of them( 'hich burst in a shrie$ from his lips( 'ere 4the ion!s Mane#4 It 'as utterl& irrele)ant and unintelligible( and &et I could t'ist the sound into no other sense# Then he half raised himself from the ground( thre' his arms into the air( and fell for'ard on his side# %e 'as dead# M& companion 'as paral&zed b& the sudden horror of it( but I( as ma& 'ell be imagined( had e)er& sense on the alert# /nd I had need( for it 'as speedil& e)ident that 'e 'ere in the presence of an extraordinar& case# The man 'as dressed onl& in his Burberr& o)ercoat( his trousers( and an unlaced pair of can)as shoes# /s he fell o)er( his Burberr&( 'hich had been simpl& thro'n round his shoulders( slipped off( exposing his trun$# ,e stared at it in amazement# %is bac$ 'as co)ered 'ith dar$ red lines as though he had been terribl& flogged b& a thin 'ire scourge# The instrument 'ith 'hich this punishment had been inflicted 'as clearl& flexible( for the long( angr& 'eals cur)ed round his shoulders and ribs# There 'as blood dripping do'n his chin( for he had bitten through his lo'er lip in the parox&sm of his agon&# %is dra'n and distorted face told ho' terrible that agon& had been# I 'as $neeling and Stac$hurst standing b& the bod& 'hen a shado' fell across us( and 'e found that Ian Murdoch 'as b& our side# Murdoch 'as the mathematical coach at the establishment( a tall( dar$( thin man( so taciturn and aloof that none can be said to ha)e been

his friend# %e seemed to li)e in some high abstract region of surds and conic sections( 'ith little to connect him 'ith ordinar& life# %e 'as loo$ed upon as an oddit& b& the students( and 'ould ha)e been their butt( but there 'as some strange outlandish blood in the man( 'hich sho'ed itself not onl& in his coal-blac$ e&es and s'arth& face but also in occasional outbrea$s of temper( 'hich could onl& be described as ferocious# "n one occasion( being plagued b& a little dog belonging to McPherson( he had caught the creature up and hurled it through the plate-glass 'indo'( an action for 'hich Stac$hurst 'ould certainl& ha)e gi)en him his dismissal had he not been a )er& )aluable teacher# Such 'as the strange complex man 'ho no' appeared beside us# %e seemed to be honestl& shoc$ed at the sight before him( though the incident of the dog ma& sho' that there 'as no great s&mpath& bet'een the dead man and himself# 4Poor fello'6 Poor fello'6 ,hat can I do: %o' can I help:4 4,ere &ou 'ith him: Can &ou tell us 'hat has happened:4 48o( no( I 'as late this morning# I 'as not on the beach at all# I ha)e come straight from The Gables# ,hat can I do:4 49ou can hurr& to the police-station at *ul'orth# Report the matter at once#4 ,ithout a 'ord he made off at top speed( and I proceeded to ta$e the matter in hand( 'hile Stac$hurst( dazed at this traged&( remained b& the bod&# M& first tas$ naturall& 'as to note 'ho 'as on the beach# *rom the top of the path I could see the 'hole s'eep of it( and it 'as absolutel& deserted sa)e that t'o or three dar$ figures could be seen far a'a& mo)ing to'ards the )illage of *ul'orth# %a)ing satisfied m&self upon this point( I 'al$ed slo'l& do'n the path# There 'as cla& or soft marl mixed 'ith the chal$( and e)er& here and there I sa' the same footstep( both ascending and descending# 8o one else had gone do'n to the beach b& this trac$ that morning# /t one place I obser)ed the print of an open hand 'ith the fingers to'ards the incline# This could onl& mean that poor McPherson had fallen as he ascended# There 'ere rounded depressions( too( 'hich suggested that he had come do'n upon his $nees more than once# /t the bottom of the path 'as the considerable lagoon left b& the retreating tide# /t the side of it McPherson had undressed( for there la& his to'el on a roc$# It 'as folded and dr&( so that it 'ould seem that( after all( he had ne)er entered the 'ater# "nce or t'ice as I hunted round amid the hard shingle I came on little patches of sand 'here the print of his can)as shoe( and also of his na$ed foot( could be seen# The latter fact pro)ed that he had made all read& to bathe( though the to'el indicated that he had not actuall& done so# /nd here 'as the problem clearl& defined--as strange a one as had e)er confronted me# The man had not been on the beach more than a <uarter of an hour at the most# Stac$hurst had follo'ed him from The Gables( so there could be no doubt about that# %e had gone to bathe and had stripped( as the na$ed footsteps sho'ed# Then he had suddenl& huddled on his clothes again--the& 'ere all dishe)elled and unfastened--and he had returned 'ithout bathing( or at an& rate 'ithout dr&ing himself# /nd the reason for his change of purpose had been that he had been scourged in some sa)age( inhuman fashion( tortured until he bit his lip through in his agon&( and 'as left 'ith onl& strength enough to cra'l a'a& and to die# ,ho had done this barbarous deed: There 'ere( it is true( small grottos and ca)es in the base of the cliffs( but the lo' sun shone directl& into them( and there 'as no place for concealment# Then( again( there 'ere those distant figures on the beach# The& seemed too far a'a& to ha)e been connected 'ith the crime( and the broad lagoon in 'hich McPherson had intended to bathe la& bet'een him and them( lapping up to the roc$s# "n the sea t'o or three

fishingboats 'ere at no great distance# Their occupants might be examined at our leisure# There 'ere se)eral roads for in<uir&( but none 'hich led to an& )er& ob)ious goal# ,hen I at last returned to the bod& I found that a little group of 'ondering fol$ had gathered round it# Stac$hurst 'as( of course( still there( and Ian Murdoch had ;ust arri)ed 'ith /nderson( the )illage constable( a big( ginger-moustached man of the slo'( solid Sussex breed --a breed 'hich co)ers much good sense under a hea)&( silent exterior# %e listened to e)er&thing( too$ note of all 'e said( and finall& dre' me aside# 4I!d be glad of &our ad)ice( Mr# %olmes# This is a big thing for me to handle( and I!ll hear of it from e'es if I go 'rong#4 I ad)ised him to send for his immediate superior( and for a doctor. also to allo' nothing to be mo)ed( and as fe' fresh footmar$s as possible to be made( until the& came# In the meantime I searched the dead man!s poc$ets# There 'ere his hand$erchief( a large $nife( and a small folding card-case# *rom this pro;ected a slip of paper( 'hich I unfolded and handed to the constable# There 'as 'ritten on it in a scra'ling( feminine hand?
I 'ill be there( &ou ma& be sure#

M/7+I5# It read li$e a lo)e affair( an assignation( though 'hen and 'here 'ere a blan$# The constable replaced it in the card-case and returned it 'ith the other things to the poc$ets of the Burberr&# Then( as nothing more suggested itself( I 'al$ed bac$ to m& house for brea$fast( ha)ing first arranged that the base of the cliffs should be thoroughl& searched# Stac$hurst 'as round in an hour or t'o to tell me that the bod& had been remo)ed to The Gables( 'here the in<uest 'ould be held# %e brought 'ith him some serious and definite ne's# /s I expected( nothing had been found in the small ca)es belo' the cliff( but he had examined the papers in McPherson!s des$ and there 'ere se)eral 'hich sho'ed an intimate correspondence 'ith a certain Miss Maud Bellam&( of *ul'orth# ,e had then established the identit& of the 'riter of the note# 4The police ha)e the letters(4 he explained# 4I could not bring them# But there is no doubt that it 'as a serious lo)e affair# I see no reason( ho'e)er( to connect it 'ith that horrible happening sa)e( indeed( that the lad& had made an appointment 'ith him#4 4But hardl& at a bathing-pool 'hich all of &ou 'ere in the habit of using(4 I remar$ed# 4It is mere chance(4 said he( 4that se)eral of the students 'ere not 'ith McPherson#4 4,as it mere chance:4 Stac$hurst $nit his bro's in thought# 4Ian Murdoch held them bac$(4 said he# 4%e 'ould insist upon some algebraic demonstration before brea$fast# Poor chap( he is dreadfull& cut up about it all#4 4/nd &et I gather that the& 'ere not friends#4 4/t one time the& 'ere not# But for a &ear or more Murdoch has been as near to McPherson as he e)er could be to an&one# %e is not of a )er& s&mpathetic disposition b& nature#4 4So I understand# I seem to remember &our telling me once about a <uarrel o)er the ill-usage of a dog#4 4That ble' o)er all right#4

4But left some )indicti)e feeling( perhaps#4 48o( no( I am sure the& 'ere real friends#4 4,ell( then( 'e must explore the matter of the girl# +o &ou $no' her:4 45)er&one $no's her# She is the beaut& of the neighbourhood--a real beaut&( %olmes( 'ho 'ould dra' attention e)er&'here# I $ne' that McPherson 'as attracted b& her( but I had no notion that it had gone so far as these letters 'ould seem to indicate#4 4But 'ho is she:4 4She is the daughter of old Tom Bellam& 'ho o'ns all the boats and bathing-cots at *ul'orth# %e 'as a fisherman to start 'ith( but is no' a man of some substance# %e and his son ,illiam run the business#4 4Shall 'e 'al$ into *ul'orth and see them:4 4"n 'hat pretext:4 4"h( 'e can easil& find a pretext# /fter all( this poor man did not ill-use himself in this outrageous 'a&# Some human hand 'as on the handle of that scourge( if indeed it 'as a scourge 'hich inflicted the in;uries# %is circle of ac<uaintances in this lonel& place 'as surel& limited# et us follo' it up in e)er& direction and 'e can hardl& fail to come upon the moti)e( 'hich in turn should lead us to the criminal#4 It 'ould ha)e been a pleasant 'al$ across the th&me-scented do'ns had our minds not been poisoned b& the traged& 'e had 'itnessed# The )illage of *ul'orth lies in a hollo' cur)ing in a semicircle round the ba&# Behind the old-fashioned hamlet se)eral modern houses ha)e been built upon the rising ground# It 'as to one of these that Stac$hurst guided me# 4That!s The %a)en( as Bellam& called it# The one 'ith the corner to'er and slate roof# 8ot bad for a man 'ho started 'ith nothing but--B& Ao)e( loo$ at that64 The garden gate of The %a)en had opened and a man had emerged# There 'as no mista$ing that tall( angular( straggling figure# It 'as Ian Murdoch( the mathematician# / moment later 'e confronted him upon the road# 4%ullo64 said Stac$hurst# The man nodded( ga)e us a side'a&s glance from his curious dar$ e&es( and 'ould ha)e-passed us( but his principal pulled him up# 4,hat 'ere &ou doing there:4 he as$ed# Murdoch!s face flushed 'ith anger# 4I am &our subordinate( sir( under &our roof# I am not a'are that I o'e &ou an& account of m& pri)ate actions#4 Stac$hurst!s ner)es 'ere near the surface after all he had endured# "ther'ise( perhaps( he 'ould ha)e 'aited# 8o' he lost his temper completel&# 4In the circumstances &our ans'er is pure impertinence( Mr# Murdoch#4 49our o'n <uestion might perhaps come under the same heading#4 4This is not the first time that I ha)e had to o)erloo$ &our insubordinate 'a&s# It 'ill certainl& be the last# 9ou 'ill $indl& ma$e fresh arrangements for &our future as speedil& as &ou can#4 4I had intended to do so# I ha)e lost to-da& the onl& person 'ho made The Gables habitable#4 %e strode off upon his 'a&( 'hile Stac$hurst( 'ith angr& e&es( stood glaring after him# 4Is he not an impossible( intolerable man:4 he cried#

The one thing that impressed itself forcibl& upon m& mind 'as that Mr# Ian Murdoch 'as ta$ing the first chance to open a path of escape from the scene of the crime# Suspicion( )ague and nebulous( 'as no' beginning to ta$e outline in m& mind# Perhaps the )isit to the Bellam&s might thro' some further light upon the matter# Stac$hurst pulled himself together( and 'e 'ent for'ard to the house# Mr# Bellam& pro)ed to be a middle-aged man 'ith a flaming red beard# %e seemed to be in a )er& angr& mood( and his face 'as soon as florid as his hair# 48o( sir( I do not desire an& particulars# M& son here4--indicating a po'erful &oung man( 'ith a hea)&( sullen face( in the corner of the sitting-room--4is of one mind 'ith me that Mr# McPherson!s attentions to Maud 'ere insulting# 9es( sir( the 'ord !marriage! 'as ne)er mentioned( and &et there 'ere letters and meetings( and a great deal more of 'hich neither of us could appro)e# She has no mother( and 'e are her onl& guardians# ,e are determined--4 But the 'ords 'ere ta$en from his mouth b& the appearance of the lad& herself# There 'as no gainsa&ing that she 'ould ha)e graced an& assembl& in the 'orld# ,ho could ha)e imagined that so rare a flo'er 'ould gro' from such a root and in such an atmosphere: ,omen ha)e seldom been an attraction to me( for m& brain has al'a&s go)erned m& heart( but I could not loo$ upon her perfect clear-cut face( 'ith all the soft freshness of the do'nlands in her delicate colouring( 'ithout realizing that no &oung man 'ould cross her path unscathed# Such 'as the girl 'ho had pushed open the door and stood no'( 'ide-e&ed and intense( in front of %arold Stac$hurst# 4I $no' alread& that *itzro& is dead(4 she said# 4+o not be afraid to tell me the particulars#4 4This other gentleman of &ours let us $no' the ne's(4 explained the father# 4There is no reason 'h& m& sister should be brought into the matter(4 gro'led the &ounger man# The sister turned a sharp( fierce loo$ upon him# 4This is m& business( ,illiam# Bindl& lea)e me to manage it in m& o'n 'a&# B& all accounts there has been a crime committed# If I can help to sho' 'ho did it( it is the least I can do for him 'ho is gone#4 She listened to a short account from m& companion( 'ith a composed concentration 'hich sho'ed me that she possessed strong character as 'ell as great beaut&# Maud Bellam& 'ill al'a&s remain in m& memor& as a most complete and remar$able 'oman# It seems that she alread& $ne' me b& sight( for she turned to me at the end# 4Bring them to ;ustice( Mr# %olmes# 9ou ha)e m& s&mpath& and m& help( 'hoe)er the& ma& be#4 It seemed to me that she glanced defiantl& at her father and brother as she spo$e# 4Than$ &ou(4 said I# 4I )alue a 'oman!s instinct in such matters# 9ou use the 'ord !the&#! 9ou thin$ that more than one 'as concerned:4 4I $ne' Mr# McPherson 'ell enough to be a'are that he 'as a bra)e and a strong man# 8o single person could e)er ha)e inflicted such an outrage upon him#4 4Might I ha)e one 'ord 'ith &ou alone:4 4I tell &ou( Maud( not to mix &ourself up in the matter(4 cried her father angril&# She loo$ed at me helplessl&# 4,hat can I do:4 4The 'hole 'orld 'ill $no' the facts presentl&( so there can be no harm if I discuss them here(4 said I# 4I should ha)e preferred pri)ac&( but if &our father 'ill not allo' it he must share

the deliberations#4 Then I spo$e of the note 'hich had been found in the dead man!s poc$et# 4It is sure to be produced at the in<uest# Ma& I as$ &ou to thro' an& light upon it that &ou can:4 4I see no reason for m&ster&(4 she ans'ered# 4,e 'ere engaged to be married( and 'e onl& $ept it secret because *itzro&!s uncle( 'ho is )er& old and said to be d&ing( might ha)e disinherited him if he had married against his 'ish# There 'as no other reason#4 49ou could ha)e told us(4 gro'led Mr# Bellam&# 4So I 'ould( father( if &ou had e)er sho'n s&mpath&#4 4I ob;ect to m& girl pic$ing up 'ith men outside her o'n station#4 4It 'as &our pre;udice against him 'hich pre)ented us from telling &ou# /s to this appointment4--she fumbled in her dress and produced a crumpled note--4it 'as in ans'er to this#4 +5/R5ST Gran the messageH? The old place on the beach ;ust after sunset on Tuesda&# It is the onl& time I can get a'a&# *#M# 4Tuesda& 'as to-da&( and I had meant to meet him to-night#4 I turned o)er the paper# 4This ne)er came b& post# %o' did &ou get it:4 4I 'ould rather not ans'er that <uestion# It has reall& nothing to do 'ith the matter 'hich &ou are in)estigating# But an&thing 'hich bears upon that I 'ill most freel& ans'er#4 She 'as as good as her 'ord( but there 'as nothing 'hich 'as helpful in our in)estigation# She had no reason to thin$ that her fiance had an& hidden enem&( but she admitted that she had had se)eral 'arm admirers# 4Ma& I as$ if Mr# Ian Murdoch 'as one of them:4 She blushed and seemed confused# 4There 'as a time 'hen I thought he 'as# But that 'as all changed 'hen he understood the relations bet'een *itzro& and m&self#4 /gain the shado' round this strange man seemed to me to be ta$ing more definite shape# %is record must be examined# %is rooms must be pri)atel& searched# Stac$hurst 'as a 'illing collaborator( for in his mind also suspicions 'ere forming# ,e returned from our )isit to The %a)en 'ith the hope that one free end of this tangled s$ein 'as alread& in our hands# / 'ee$ passed# The in<uest had thro'n no light upon the matter and had been ad;ourned for further e)idence# Stac$hurst had made discreet in<uir& about his subordinate( and there had been a superficial search of his room( but 'ithout result# Personall&( I had gone o)er the 'hole ground again( both ph&sicall& and mentall&( but 'ith no ne' conclusions# In all m& chronicles the reader 'ill find no case 'hich brought me so completel& to the limit of m& po'ers# 5)en m& imagination could concei)e no solution to the m&ster&# /nd then there came the incident of the dog# It 'as m& old house$eeper 'ho heard of it first b& that strange 'ireless b& 'hich such people collect the ne's of the countr&side#

4Sad stor& this( sir( about Mr# McPherson!s dog(4 said she one e)ening# I do not encourage such con)ersations( but the 'ords arrested m& attention# 4,hat of Mr# McPherson!s dog:4 4+ead( sir# +ied of grief for its master#4 4,ho told &ou this:4 4,h&( sir( e)er&one is tal$ing of it# It too$ on terrible( and has eaten nothing for a 'ee$# Then to-da& t'o of the &oung gentlemen from The Gables found it dead--do'n on the beach( sir( at the )er& place 'here its master met his end#4 4/t the )er& place#4 The 'ords stood out clear in m& memor&# Some dim perception that the matter 'as )ital rose in m& mind# That the dog should die 'as after the beautiful( faithful nature of dogs# But 4in the )er& place46 ,h& should this lonel& beach be fatal to it: ,as it possible that it also had been sacrificed to some re)engeful feud: ,as it possible--: 9es( the perception 'as dim( but alread& something 'as building up in m& mind# In a fe' minutes I 'as on m& 'a& to The Gables( 'here I found Stac$hurst in his stud&# /t m& re<uest he sent for Sudbur& and Blount( the t'o students 'ho had found the dog# 49es( it la& on the )er& edge of the pool(4 said one of them# 4It must ha)e follo'ed the trail of its dead master#4 I sa' the faithful little creature( an /iredale terrier( laid out upon the mat in the hall# The bod& 'as stiff and rigid( the e&es pro;ecting( and the limbs contorted# There 'as agon& in e)er& line of it# *rom The Gables I 'al$ed do'n to the bathing-pool# The sun had sun$ and the shado' of the great cliff la& blac$ across the 'ater( 'hich glimmered dull& li$e a sheet of lead# The place 'as deserted and there 'as no sign of life sa)e for t'o sea-birds circling and screaming o)erhead# In the fading light I could diml& ma$e out the little dog!s spoor upon the sand round the )er& roc$ on 'hich his master!s to'el had been laid# *or a long time I stood in deep meditation 'hile the shado's gre' dar$er around me# M& mind 'as filled 'ith racing thoughts# 9ou ha)e $no'n 'hat it 'as to be in a nightmare in 'hich &ou feel that there is some all-important thing for 'hich &ou search and 'hich &ou $no' is there( though it remains fore)er ;ust be&ond &our reach# That 'as ho' I felt that e)ening as I stood alone b& that place of death# Then at last I turned and 'al$ed slo'l& home'ard# I had ;ust reached the top of the path 'hen it came to me# i$e a flash( I remembered the thing for 'hich I had so eagerl& and )ainl& grasped# 9ou 'ill $no'( or ,atson has 'ritten in )ain( that I hold a )ast store of out-of-the-'a& $no'ledge 'ithout scientific s&stem( but )er& a)ailable for the needs of m& 'or$# M& mind is li$e a cro'ded box-room 'ith pac$ets of all sorts sto'ed a'a& therein--so man& that I ma& 'ell ha)e but a )ague perception of 'hat 'as there# I had $no'n that there 'as something 'hich might bear upon this matter# It 'as still )ague( but at least I $ne' ho' I could ma$e it clear# It 'as monstrous( incredible( and &et it 'as al'a&s a possibilit&# I 'ould test it to the full# There is a great garret in m& little house 'hich is stuffed 'ith boo$s# It 'as into this that I plunged and rummaged for an hour# /t the end of that time I emerged 'ith a little chocolate and sil)er )olume# 5agerl& I turned up the chapter of 'hich I had a dim remembrance# 9es( it 'as indeed a far-fetched and unli$el& proposition( and &et I could not be at rest until I had made sure if it might( indeed( be so# It 'as late 'hen I retired( 'ith m& mind eagerl& a'aiting the 'or$ of the morro'#

But that 'or$ met 'ith an anno&ing interruption# I had hardl& s'allo'ed m& earl& cup of tea and 'as starting for the beach 'hen I had a call from Inspector Bardle of the Sussex Constabular&--a stead&( solid( bo)ine man 'ith thoughtful e&es( 'hich loo$ed at me no' 'ith a )er& troubled expression# 4I $no' &our immense experience( sir(4 said he# 4This is <uite unofficial( of course( and need go no farther# But I am fairl& up against it in this McPherson case# The <uestion is( shall I ma$e an arrest( or shall I not:4 4Meaning Mr# Ian Murdoch:4 49es( sir# There is reall& no one else 'hen &ou come to thin$ of it# That!s the ad)antage of this solitude# ,e narro' it do'n to a )er& small compass# If he did not do it( then 'ho did:4 4,hat ha)e &ou against him:4 %e had gleaned along the same furro's as I had# There 'as Murdoch!s character and the m&ster& 'hich seemed to hang round the man# %is furious bursts of temper( as sho'n in the incident of the dog# The fact that he had <uarrelled 'ith McPherson in the past( and that there 'as some reason to thin$ that he might ha)e resented his attentions to Miss Bellam&# %e had all m& points( but no fresh ones( sa)e that Murdoch seemed to be ma$ing e)er& preparation for departure# 4,hat 'ould m& position be if I let him slip a'a& 'ith all this e)idence against him:4 The burl&( phlegmatic man 'as sorel& troubled in his mind# 4Consider(4 I said( 4all the essential gaps in &our case# "n the morning of the crime he can surel& pro)e an alibi# %e had been 'ith his scholars till the last moment( and 'ithin a fe' minutes of McPherson!s appearance he came upon us from behind# Then bear in mind the absolute impossibilit& that he could single-handed ha)e inflicted this outrage upon a man <uite as strong as himself# *inall&( there is this <uestion of the instrument 'ith 'hich these in;uries 'ere inflicted#4 4,hat could it be but a scourge or flexible 'hip of some sort:4 4%a)e &ou examined the mar$s:4 I as$ed# 4I ha)e seen them# So has the doctor#4 4But I ha)e examined them )er& carefull& 'ith a lens# The& ha)e peculiarities#4 4,hat are the&( Mr# %olmes:4 I stepped to m& bureau and brought out an enlarged photograph# 4This is m& method in such cases(4 I explained# 49ou certainl& do things thoroughl&( Mr# %olmes#4 4I should hardl& be 'hat I am if I did not# 8o' let us consider this 'eal 'hich extends round the right shoulder# +o &ou obser)e nothing remar$able:4 4I can!t sa& I do#4 4Surel& it is e)ident that it is une<ual in its intensit&# There is a dot of extra)asated blood here( and another there# There are similar indications in this other 'eal do'n here# ,hat can that mean:4 4I ha)e no idea# %a)e &ou:4

4Perhaps I ha)e# Perhaps I ha)en!t# I ma& be able to sa& more soon# /n&thing 'hich 'ill define 'hat made that mar$ 'ill bring us a long 'a& to'ards the criminal#4 4It is( of course( an absurd idea(4 said the policeman( 4but if a red-hot net of 'ire had been laid across the bac$( then these better mar$ed points 'ould represent 'here the meshes crossed each other#4 4/ most ingenious comparison# "r shall 'e sa& a )er& stiff cat-o!-nine-tails 'ith small hard $nots upon it:4 4B& Ao)e( Mr# %olmes( I thin$ &ou ha)e hit it#4 4"r there ma& be some )er& different cause( Mr# Bardle# But &our case is far too 'ea$ for an arrest# Besides( 'e ha)e those last 'ords--the ! ion!s Mane#!4 4I ha)e 'ondered 'hether Ian--4 49es( I ha)e considered that# If the second 'ord had borne an& resemblance to Murdoch--but it did not# %e ga)e it almost in a shrie$# I am sure that it 'as !Mane#!4 4%a)e &ou no alternati)e( Mr# %olmes:4 4Perhaps I ha)e# But I do not care to discuss it until there is something more solid to discuss#4 4/nd 'hen 'ill that be:4 4In an hour--possibl& less#4 The inspector rubbed his chin and loo$ed at me 'ith dubious e&es# 4I 'ish I could see 'hat 'as in &our mind( Mr# %olmes# Perhaps it!s those fishing-boats#4 48o( no( the& 'ere too far out#4 4,ell( then( is it Bellam& and that big son of his: The& 'ere not too s'eet upon Mr# McPherson# Could the& ha)e done him a mischief:4 48o( no( &ou 'on!t dra' me until I am read&(4 said I 'ith a smile# 48o'( Inspector( 'e each ha)e our o'n 'or$ to do# Perhaps if &ou 'ere to meet me here at midda&--4 So far 'e had got 'hen there came the tremendous interruption 'hich 'as the beginning of the end# M& outer door 'as flung open( there 'ere blundering footsteps in the passage( and Ian Murdoch staggered into the room( pallid( dishe)elled( his clothes in 'ild disorder( cla'ing 'ith his bon& hands at the furniture to hold himself erect# 4Brand&6 Brand&64 he gasped( and fell groaning upon the sofa# %e 'as not alone# Behind him came Stac$hurst( hatless and panting( almost as distrait as his companion# 49es( &es( brand&64 he cried# 4The man is at his last gasp# It 'as all I could do to bring him here# %e fainted t'ice upon the 'a&#4 %alf a tumbler of the ra' spirit brought about a 'ondrous change# %e pushed himself up on one arm and s'ung his coat from his shoulders# 4*or God!s sa$e oil( opium( morphia64 he cried# 4/n&thing to ease this infernal agon&64 The inspector and I cried out at the sight# There( crisscrossed upon the man!s na$ed shoulder( 'as the same strange reticulated pattern of red( inflamed lines 'hich had been the deathmar$ of *itzro& McPherson#

The pain 'as e)identl& terrible and 'as more than local( for the sufferer!s breathing 'ould stop for a time( his face 'ould turn blac$( and then 'ith loud gasps he 'ould clap his hand to his heart( 'hile his bro' dropped beads of s'eat# /t an& moment he might die# More and more brand& 'as poured do'n his throat( each fresh dose bringing him bac$ to life# Pads of cotton-'ool soa$ed in salad-oil seemed to ta$e the agon& from the strange 'ounds# /t last his head fell hea)il& upon the cushion# 5xhausted 8ature had ta$en refuge in its last storehouse of )italit&# It 'as half a sleep and half a faint( but at least it 'as ease from pain# To <uestion him had been impossible( but the moment 'e 'ere assured of his condition Stac$hurst turned upon me# 4M& God64 he cried( 4'hat is it( %olmes: ,hat is it:4 4,here did &ou find him:4 4+o'n on the beach# 5xactl& 'here poor McPherson met his end# If this man!s heart had been 'ea$ as McPherson!s 'as( he 'ould not be here no'# More than once I thought he 'as gone as I brought him up# It 'as too far to The Gables( so I made for &ou#4 4+id &ou see him on the beach:4 4I 'as 'al$ing on the cliff 'hen I heard his cr&# %e 'as at the edge of the 'ater( reeling about li$e a drun$en man# I ran do'n( thre' some clothes about him( and brought him up# *or hea)en!s sa$e( %olmes( use all the po'ers &ou ha)e and spare no pains to lift the curse from this place( for life is becoming unendurable# Can &ou( 'ith all &our 'orld-'ide reputation( do nothing for us:4 4I thin$ I can( Stac$hurst# Come 'ith me no'6 /nd &ou( Inspector( come along6 ,e 'ill see if 'e cannot deli)er this murderer into &our hands#4 ea)ing the unconscious man in the charge of m& house$eeper( 'e all three 'ent do'n to the deadl& lagoon# "n the shingle there 'as piled a little heap of to'els and clothes left b& the stric$en man# Slo'l& I 'al$ed round the edge of the 'ater( m& comrades in Indian file behind me# Most of the pool 'as <uite shallo'( but under the cliff 'here the beach 'as hollo'ed out it 'as four or fi)e feet deep# It 'as to this part that a s'immer 'ould naturall& go( for it formed a beautiful pellucid green pool as clear as cr&stal# / line of roc$s la& abo)e it at the base of the cliff( and along this I led the 'a&( peering eagerl& into the depths beneath me# I had reached the deepest and stillest pool 'hen m& e&es caught that for 'hich the& 'ere searching( and I burst into a shout of triumph# 4C&anea64 I cried# 4C&anea6 Behold the ion!s Mane64 The strange ob;ect at 'hich I pointed did indeed loo$ li$e a tangled mass torn from the mane of a lion# It la& upon a roc$& shelf some three feet under the 'ater( a curious 'a)ing( )ibrating( hair& creature 'ith strea$s of sil)er among its &ello' tresses# It pulsated 'ith a slo'( hea)& dilation and contraction# 4It has done mischief enough# Its da& is o)er64 I cried# 4%elp me( Stac$hurst6 et us end the murderer fore)er#4 There 'as a big boulder ;ust abo)e the ledge( and 'e pushed it until it fell 'ith a tremendous splash into the 'ater# ,hen the ripples had cleared 'e sa' that it had settled upon the ledge belo'# "ne flapping edge of &ello' membrane sho'ed that our )ictim 'as beneath it# / thic$ oil& scum oozed out from belo' the stone and stained the 'ater round( rising slo'l& to the surface#

4,ell( this gets me64 cried the inspector# 4,hat 'as it( Mr# %olmes: I!m born and bred in these parts( but I ne)er sa' such a thing# It don!t belong to Sussex#4 4Aust as 'ell for Sussex(4 I remar$ed# 4It ma& ha)e been the south'est gale that brought it up# Come bac$ to m& house( both of &ou( and I 'ill gi)e &ou the terrible experience of one 'ho has good reason to remember his o'n meeting 'ith the same peril of the seas#4 ,hen 'e reached m& stud& 'e found that Murdoch 'as so far reco)ered that he could sit up# %e 'as dazed in mind( and e)er& no' and then 'as sha$en b& a parox&sm of pain# In bro$en 'ords he explained that he had no notion 'hat had occurred to him( sa)e that terrific pangs had suddenl& shot through him( and that it had ta$en all his fortitude to reach the ban$# 4%ere is a boo$(4 I said( ta$ing up the little )olume( 4'hich first brought light into 'hat might ha)e been fore)er dar$# It is !"ut of +oors!( b& the famous obser)er( A# G# ,ood# ,ood himself )er& nearl& perished from contact 'ith this )ile creature( so he 'rote 'ith a )er& full $no'ledge# C&anea capillata is the miscreant!s full name( and he can be as dangerous to life as( and far more painful than( the bite of the cobra# et me briefl& gi)e this extract# 4!If the bather should see a loose roundish mass of ta'n& membranes and fibres( something li$e )er& large handfuls of lion!s mane and sil)er paper( let him be'are( for this is the fearful stinger( C&anea capillata#! 4Could our sinister ac<uaintance be more clearl& described: 4%e goes on to tell of his o'n encounter 'ith one 'hen s'imming off the coast of Bent# %e found that the creature radiated almost in)isible filaments to the distance of fift& feet( and that an&one 'ithin that circumference from the deadl& centre 'as in danger of death# 5)en at a distance the effect upon ,ood 'as almost fatal# 4!The multitudinous threads caused light scarlet lines upon the s$in 'hich on closer examination resol)ed into minute dots or pustules( each dot charged as it 'ere 'ith a red-hot needle ma$ing its 'a& through the ner)es#! 4The local pain 'as( as he explains( the least part of the ex<uisite torment# 4!Pangs shot through the chest( causing me to fall as if struc$ b& a bullet# The pulsation 'ould cease( and then the heart 'ould gi)e six or se)en leaps as if it 'ould force its 'a& through the chest#! 4It nearl& $illed him( although he had onl& been exposed to it in the disturbed ocean and not in the narro' calm 'aters of a bathing-pool# %e sa&s that he could hardl& recognize himself after'ards( so 'hite( 'rin$led and shri)elled 'as his face# %e gulped do'n brand&( a 'hole bottleful( and it seems to ha)e sa)ed his life# There is the boo$( Inspector# I lea)e it 'ith &ou( and &ou cannot doubt that it contains a full explanation of the traged& of poor McPherson#4 4/nd incidentall& exonerates me(4 remar$ed Ian Murdoch 'ith a 'r& smile# 4I do not blame &ou( Inspector( nor &ou( Mr# %olmes( for &our suspicions 'ere natural# I feel that on the )er& e)e of m& arrest I ha)e onl& cleared m&self b& sharing the fate of m& poor friend#4 48o( Mr# Murdoch# I 'as alread& upon the trac$( and had I been out as earl& as I intended I might 'ell ha)e sa)ed &ou from this terrific experience#4 4But ho' did &ou $no'( Mr# %olmes:4 4I am an omni)orous reader 'ith a strangel& retenti)e memor& for trifles# That phrase !the ion!s Mane! haunted m& mind# I $ne' that I had seen it some'here in an unexpected context# 9ou ha)e seen that it does describe the creature# I ha)e no doubt that it 'as floating

on the 'ater 'hen McPherson sa' it( and that this phrase 'as the onl& one b& 'hich he could con)e& to us a 'arning as to the creature 'hich had been his death#4 4Then I( at least( am cleared(4 said Murdoch( rising slo'l& to his feet# 4There are one or t'o 'ords of explanation 'hich I should gi)e( for I $no' the direction in 'hich &our in<uiries ha)e run# It is true that I lo)ed this lad&( but from the da& 'hen she chose m& friend McPherson m& one desire 'as to help her to happiness# I 'as 'ell content to stand aside and act as their gobet'een# "ften I carried their messages( and it 'as because I 'as in their confidence and because she 'as so dear to me that I hastened to tell her of m& friend!s death( lest someone should forestall me in a more sudden and heartless manner# She 'ould not tell &ou( sir( of our relations lest &ou should disappro)e and I might suffer# But 'ith &our lea)e I must tr& to get bac$ to The Gables( for m& bed 'ill be )er& 'elcome#4 Stac$hurst held out his hand# 4"ur ner)es ha)e all been at concert-pitch(4 said he# 4*orgi)e 'hat is past( Murdoch# ,e shall understand each other better in the future#4 The& passed out together 'ith their arms lin$ed in friendl& fashion# The inspector remained( staring at me in silence 'ith his ox-li$e e&es# 4,ell( &ou!)e done it64 he cried at last# 4I had read of &ou( but I ne)er belie)ed it# It!s 'onderful64 I 'as forced to sha$e m& head# To accept such praise 'as to lo'er one!s o'n standards# 4I 'as slo' at the outset--culpabl& slo'# %ad the bod& been found in the 'ater I could hardl& ha)e missed it# It 'as the to'el 'hich misled me# The poor fello' had ne)er thought to dr& himself( and so I in turn 'as led to belie)e that he had ne)er been in the 'ater# ,h&( then( should the attac$ of an& 'ater creature suggest itself to me: That 'as 'here I 'ent astra&# ,ell( 'ell( Inspector( I often )entured to chaff &ou gentlemen of the police force( but C&anea capillata )er& nearl& a)enged Scotland 9ard#4

ADVENTURE ' ! THE ADVENTURE OF THE VE %ED %OD&ER

,hen one considers that Mr# Sherloc$ %olmes 'as in acti)e practice for t'ent&-three &ears( and that during se)enteen of these I 'as allo'ed to cooperate 'ith him and to $eep notes of his doings( it 'ill be clear that I ha)e a mass of material at m& command# The problem has al'a&s been not to find but to choose# There is the long ro' of &ear-boo$s 'hich fill a shelf and there are the dispatch-cases filled 'ith documents( a perfect <uarr& for the student not onl& of crime but of the social and official scandals of the late Victorian era# Concerning these latter( I ma& sa& that the 'riters of agonized letters( 'ho beg that the honour of their families or the reputation of famous forebears ma& not be touched( ha)e nothing to fear# The discretion and high sense of professional honour 'hich ha)e al'a&s distinguished m& friend are still at 'or$ in the choice of these memoirs( and no confidence 'ill be abused# I deprecate( ho'e)er( in the strongest 'a& the attempts 'hich ha)e been made latel& to get at and to destro& these papers# The source of these outrages is $no'n( and if the& are repeated I ha)e Mr# %olmes!s authorit& for sa&ing that the 'hole stor& concerning the politician( the lighthouse( and the trained cormorant 'ill be gi)en to the public# There is at least one reader 'ho 'ill understand# It is not reasonable to suppose that e)er& one of these cases ga)e %olmes the opportunit& of sho'ing those curious gifts of instinct and obser)ation 'hich I ha)e endea)oured to set forth in these memoirs# Sometimes he had 'ith much effort to pic$ the fruit( sometimes it fell easil&

into his lap# But the most terrible human tragedies 'ere often in)ol)ed in those cases 'hich brought him the fe'est personal opportunities( and it is one of these 'hich I no' desire to record# In telling it( I ha)e made a slight change of name and place( but other'ise the facts are as stated# "ne forenoon--it 'as late in 013>--I recei)ed a hurried note from %olmes as$ing for m& attendance# ,hen I arri)ed I found him seated in a smo$e-laden atmosphere( 'ith an elderl&( motherl& 'oman of the buxom landlad& t&pe in the corresponding chair in front of him# 4This is Mrs# Merrilo'( of South Brixton(4 said m& friend 'ith a 'a)e of the hand# 4Mrs# Merrilo' does not ob;ect to tobacco( ,atson( if &ou 'ish to indulge &our filth& habits# Mrs# Merrilo' has an interesting stor& to tell 'hich ma& 'ell lead to further de)elopments in 'hich &our presence ma& be useful#4 4/n&thing I can do--4 49ou 'ill understand( Mrs# Merrilo'( that if I come to Mrs# Ronder I should prefer to ha)e a 'itness# 9ou 'ill ma$e her understand that before 'e arri)e#4 4 ord bless &ou( Mr# %olmes(4 said our )isitor( 4she is that anxious to see &ou that &ou might bring the 'hole parish at &our heels64 4Then 'e shall come earl& in the afternoon# et us see that 'e ha)e our facts correct before 'e start# If 'e go o)er them it 'ill help +r# ,atson to understand the situation# 9ou sa& that Mrs# Ronder has been &our lodger for se)en &ears and that &ou ha)e onl& once seen her face#4 4/nd I 'ish to God I had not64 said Mrs# Merrilo'# 4It 'as( I understand( terribl& mutilated#4 4,ell( Mr# %olmes( &ou 'ould hardl& sa& it 'as a face at all# That!s ho' it loo$ed# "ur mil$man got a glimpse of her once peeping out of the upper 'indo'( and he dropped his tin and the mil$ all o)er the front garden# That is the $ind of face it is# ,hen I sa' her--I happened on her una'ares--she co)ered up <uic$( and then she said( !8o'( Mrs# Merrilo'( &ou $no' at last 'h& it is that I ne)er raise m& )eil#!4 4+o &ou $no' an&thing about her histor&:4 48othing at all#4 4+id she gi)e references 'hen she came:4 48o( sir( but she ga)e hard cash( and plent& of it# / <uarter!s rent right do'n on the table in ad)ance and no arguing about terms# In these times a poor 'oman li$e me can!t afford to turn do'n a chance li$e that#4 4+id she gi)e an& reason for choosing &our house:4 4Mine stands 'ell bac$ from the road and is more pri)ate than most# Then( again( I onl& ta$e the one( and I ha)e no famil& of m& o'n# I rec$on she had tried others and found that mine suited her best# It!s pri)ac& she is after( and she is read& to pa& for it#4 49ou sa& that she ne)er sho'ed her face from first to last sa)e on the one accidental occasion# ,ell( it is a )er& remar$able stor&( most remar$able( and I don!t 'onder that &ou 'ant it examined#4

4I don!t( Mr# %olmes# I am <uite satisfied so long as I get m& rent# 9ou could not ha)e a <uieter lodger( or one 'ho gi)es less trouble#4 4Then 'hat has brought matters to a head:4 4%er health( Mr# %olmes# She seems to be 'asting a'a&# /nd there!s something terrible on her mind# !Murder6! she cries# !Murder6! /nd once I heard her? !9ou cruel beast6 9ou monster6! she cried# It 'as in the night( and it fair rang through the house and sent the shi)ers through me# So I 'ent to her in the morning# !Mrs# Ronder(! I sa&s( !if &ou ha)e an&thing that is troubling &our soul( there!s the clerg&(! I sa&s( !and there!s the police# Bet'een them &ou should get some help#! !*or God!s sa$e( not the police6! sa&s she( !and the clerg& can!t change 'hat is past# /nd &et(! she sa&s( !it 'ould ease m& mind if someone $ne' the truth before I died#! !,ell(! sa&s I( !if &ou 'on!t ha)e the regulars( there is this detecti)e man 'hat 'e read about!--beggin! &our pardon( Mr# %olmes# /nd she( she fair ;umped at it# !That!s the man(! sa&s she# !I 'onder I ne)er thought of it before# Bring him here( Mrs# Merrilo'( and if he 'on!t come( tell him I am the 'ife of Ronder!s 'ild beast sho'# Sa& that( and gi)e him the name /bbas Par)a# %ere it is as she 'rote it( /bbas Par)a# !That 'ill bring him if he!s the man I thin$ he is#!4 4/nd it 'ill( too(4 remar$ed %olmes# 4Ver& good( Mrs# Merrilo'# I should li$e to ha)e a little chat 'ith +r# ,atson# That 'ill carr& us till lunch-time# /bout three o!cloc$ &ou ma& expect to see us at &our house in Brixton#4 "ur )isitor had no sooner 'addled out of the room--no other )erb can describe Mrs# Merrilo'!s method of progression--than Sherloc$ %olmes thre' himself 'ith fierce energ& upon the pile of commonplace boo$s in the corner# *or a fe' minutes there 'as a constant s'ish of the lea)es( and then 'ith a grunt of satisfaction he came upon 'hat he sought# So excited 'as he that he did not rise( but sat upon the floor li$e some strange Buddha( 'ith crossed legs( the huge boo$s all round him( and one open upon his $nees# 4The case 'orried me at the time( ,atson# %ere are m& marginal notes to pro)e it# I confess that I could ma$e nothing of it# /nd &et I 'as con)inced that the coroner 'as 'rong# %a)e &ou no recollection of the /bbas Par)a traged&:4 48one( %olmes#4 4/nd &et &ou 'ere 'ith me then# But certainl& m& o'n impression 'as )er& superficial# *or there 'as nothing to go b&( and none of the parties had engaged m& ser)ices# Perhaps &ou 'ould care to read the papers:4 4Could &ou not gi)e me the points:4 4That is )er& easil& done# It 'ill probabl& come bac$ to &our memor& as I tal$# Ronder( of course( 'as a household 'ord# %e 'as the ri)al of ,omb'ell( and of Sanger( one of the greatest sho'men of his da&# There is e)idence( ho'e)er( that he too$ to drin$( and that both he and his sho' 'ere on the do'n grade at the time of the great traged&# The cara)an had halted for the night at /bbas Par)a( 'hich is a small )illage in Ber$shire( 'hen this horror occurred# The& 'ere on their 'a& to ,imbledon( tra)elling b& road( and the& 'ere simpl& camping and not exhibiting( as the place is so small a one that it 'ould not ha)e paid them to open# 4The& had among their exhibits a )er& fine 8orth /frican lion# Sahara Bing 'as its name( and it 'as the habit( both of Ronder and his 'ife( to gi)e exhibitions inside its cage# %ere( &ou see( is a photograph of the performance b& 'hich &ou 'ill percei)e that Ronder 'as a huge

porcine person and that his 'ife 'as a )er& magnificent 'oman# It 'as deposed at the in<uest that there had been some signs that the lion 'as dangerous( but( as usual( familiarit& begat contempt( and no notice 'as ta$en of the fact# 4It 'as usual for either Ronder or his 'ife to feed the lion at night# Sometimes one 'ent( sometimes both( but the& ne)er allo'ed an&one else to do it( for the& belie)ed that so long as the& 'ere the food-carriers he 'ould regard them as benefactors and 'ould ne)er molest them# "n this particular night( se)en &ears ago( the& both 'ent( and a )er& terrible happening follo'ed( the details of 'hich ha)e ne)er been made clear# 4It seems that the 'hole camp 'as roused near midnight b& the roars of the animal and the screams of the 'oman# The different grooms and emplo&ees rushed from their tents( carr&ing lanterns( and b& their light an a'ful sight 'as re)ealed# Ronder la&( 'ith the bac$ of his head crushed in and deep cla'-mar$s across his scalp( some ten &ards from the cage( 'hich 'as open# Close to the door of the cage la& Mrs# Ronder upon her bac$( 'ith the creature s<uatting and snarling abo)e her# It had torn her face in such a fashion that it 'as ne)er thought that she could li)e# Se)eral of the circus men( headed b& eonardo( the strong man( and Griggs( the clo'n( dro)e the creature off 'ith poles( upon 'hich it sprang bac$ into the cage and 'as at once loc$ed in# %o' it had got loose 'as a m&ster&# It 'as con;ectured that the pair intended to enter the cage( but that 'hen the door 'as loosed the creature bounded out upon them# There 'as no other point of interest in the e)idence sa)e that the 'oman in a delirium of agon& $ept screaming( !Co'ard6 Co'ard6! as she 'as carried bac$ to the )an in 'hich the& li)ed# It 'as six months before she 'as fit to gi)e e)idence( but the in<uest 'as dul& held( 'ith the ob)ious )erdict of death from misad)enture#4 4,hat alternati)e could be concei)ed:4 said I# 49ou ma& 'ell sa& so# /nd &et there 'ere one or t'o points 'hich 'orried &oung 5dmunds( of the Ber$shire Constabular&# / smart lad that6 %e 'as sent later to /llahabad# That 'as ho' I came into the matter( for he dropped in and smo$ed a pipe or t'o o)er it#4 4/ thin( &ello'-haired man:4 45xactl&# I 'as sure &ou 'ould pic$ up the trail presentl&#4 4But 'hat 'orried him:4 4,ell( 'e 'ere both 'orried# It 'as so deucedl& difficult to reconstruct the affair# oo$ at it from the lion!s point of )ie'# %e is liberated# ,hat does he do: %e ta$es half a dozen bounds for'ard( 'hich brings him to Ronder# Ronder turns to fl&--the cla'-mar$s 'ere on the bac$ of his head--but the lion stri$es him do'n# Then( instead of bounding on and escaping( he returns to the 'oman( 'ho 'as close to the cage( and he $noc$s her o)er and che's her face up# Then( again( those cries of hers 'ould seem to impl& that her husband had in some 'a& failed her# ,hat could the poor de)il ha)e done to help her: 9ou see the difficult&:4 4Fuite#4 4/nd then there 'as another thing# It comes bac$ to me no' as I thin$ it o)er# There 'as some e)idence that ;ust at the time the lion roared and the 'oman screamed( a man began shouting in terror#4 4This man Ronder( no doubt#4 4,ell( if his s$ull 'as smashed in &ou 'ould hardl& expect to hear from him again# There 'ere at least t'o 'itnesses 'ho spo$e of the cries of a man being mingled 'ith those of a 'oman#4

4I should thin$ the 'hole camp 'as cr&ing out b& then# /s to the other points( I thin$ I could suggest a solution#4 4I should be glad to consider it#4 4The t'o 'ere together( ten &ards from the cage( 'hen the lion got loose# The man turned and 'as struc$ do'n# The 'oman concei)ed the idea of getting into the cage and shutting the door# It 'as her onl& refuge# She made for it( and ;ust as she reached it the beast bounded after her and $noc$ed her o)er# She 'as angr& 'ith her husband for ha)ing encouraged the beast!s rage b& turning# If the& had faced it the& might ha)e co'ed it# %ence her cries of !Co'ard6!4 4Brilliant( ,atson6 "nl& one fla' in &our diamond#4 4,hat is the fla'( %olmes:4 4If the& 'ere both ten paces from the cage( ho' came the beast to get loose:4 4Is it possible that the& had some enem& 'ho loosed it:4 4/nd 'h& should it attac$ them sa)agel& 'hen it 'as in the habit of pla&ing 'ith them( and doing tric$s 'ith them inside the cage:4 4Possibl& the same enem& had done something to enrage it#4 %olmes loo$ed thoughtful and remained in silence for some moments# 4,ell( ,atson( there is this to be said for &our theor&# Ronder 'as a man of man& enemies# 5dmunds told me that in his cups he 'as horrible# / huge bull& of a man( he cursed and slashed at e)er&one 'ho came in his 'a&# I expect those cries about a monster( of 'hich our )isitor has spo$en( 'ere nocturnal reminiscences of the dear departed# %o'e)er( our speculations are futile until 'e ha)e all the facts# There is a cold partridge on the sideboard( ,atson( and a bottle of Montrachet# et us rene' our energies before 'e ma$e a fresh call upon them#4 ,hen our hansom deposited us at the house of Mrs# Merrilo'( 'e found that plump lad& bloc$ing up the open door of her humble but retired abode# It 'as )er& clear that her chief preoccupation 'as lest she should lose a )aluable lodger( and she implored us( before sho'ing us up( to sa& and do nothing 'hich could lead to so undesirable an end# Then( ha)ing reassured her( 'e follo'ed her up the straight( badl& carpeted staircase and 'ere sho'n into the room of the m&sterious lodger# It 'as a close( must&( ill-)entilated place( as might be expected( since its inmate seldom left it# *rom $eeping beasts in a cage( the 'oman seemed( b& some retribution of fate( to ha)e become herself a beast in a cage# She sat no' in a bro$en armchair in the shado'& corner of the room# ong &ears of inaction had coarsened the lines of her figure( but at some period it must ha)e been beautiful( and 'as still full and )oluptuous# / thic$ dar$ )eil co)ered her face( but it 'as cut off close at her upper lip and disclosed a perfectl& shaped mouth and a delicatel& rounded chin# I could 'ell concei)e that she had indeed been a )er& remar$able 'oman# %er )oice( too( 'as 'ell modulated and pleasing# 4M& name is not unfamiliar to &ou( Mr# %olmes(4 said she# 4I thought that it 'ould bring &ou#4 4That is so( madam( though I do not $no' ho' &ou are a'are that I 'as interested in &our case#4

4I learned it 'hen I had reco)ered m& health and 'as examined b& Mr# 5dmunds( the count& detecti)e# I fear I lied to him# Perhaps it 'ould ha)e been 'iser had I told the truth#4 4It is usuall& 'iser to tell the truth# But 'h& did &ou lie to him:4 4Because the fate of someone else depended upon it# I $no' that he 'as a )er& 'orthless being( and &et I 'ould not ha)e his destruction upon m& conscience# ,e had been so close-so close64 4But has this impediment been remo)ed:4 49es( sir# The person that I allude to is dead#4 4Then 'h& should &ou not no' tell the police an&thing &ou $no':4 4Because there is another person to be considered# That other person is m&self# I could not stand the scandal and publicit& 'hich 'ould come from a police examination# I ha)e not long to li)e( but I 'ish to die undisturbed# /nd &et I 'anted to find one man of ;udgment to 'hom I could tell m& terrible stor&( so that 'hen I am gone all might be understood#4 49ou compliment me( madam# /t the same time( I am a responsible person# I do not promise &ou that 'hen &ou ha)e spo$en I ma& not m&self thin$ it m& dut& to refer the case to the police#4 4I thin$ not( Mr# %olmes# I $no' &our character and methods too 'ell( for I ha)e follo'ed &our 'or$ for some &ears# Reading is the onl& pleasure 'hich fate has left me( and I miss little 'hich passes in the 'orld# But in an& case( I 'ill ta$e m& chance of the use 'hich &ou ma& ma$e of m& traged&# It 'ill ease m& mind to tell it#4 4M& friend and I 'ould be glad to hear it#4 The 'oman rose and too$ from a dra'er the photograph of a man# %e 'as clearl& a professional acrobat( a man of magnificent ph&si<ue( ta$en 'ith his huge arms folded across his s'ollen chest and a smile brea$ing from under his hea)& moustache--the self-satisfied smile of the man of man& con<uests# 4That is eonardo(4 she said# 4 eonardo( the strong man( 'ho ga)e e)idence:4 4The same# /nd this--this is m& husband#4 It 'as a dreadful face--a human pig( or rather a human 'ild boar( for it 'as formidable in its bestialit&# "ne could imagine that )ile mouth champing and foaming in its rage( and one could concei)e those small( )icious e&es darting pure malignanc& as the& loo$ed forth upon the 'orld# Ruffian( bull&( beast--it 'as all 'ritten on that hea)&-;o'led face# 4Those t'o pictures 'ill help &ou( gentlemen( to understand the stor&# I 'as a poor circus girl brought up on the sa'dust( and doing springs through the hoop before I 'as ten# ,hen I became a 'oman this man lo)ed me( if such lust as his can be called lo)e( and in an e)il moment I became his 'ife# *rom that da& I 'as in hell( and he the de)il 'ho tormented me# There 'as no one in the sho' 'ho did not $no' of his treatment# %e deserted me for others# %e tied me do'n and lashed me 'ith his riding'hip 'hen I complained# The& all pitied me and the& all loathed him( but 'hat could the& do: The& feared him( one and all# *or he 'as terrible at all times( and murderous 'hen he 'as drun$# /gain and again he 'as had up for assault( and for cruelt& to the beasts( but he had plent& of mone& and the fines 'ere nothing to him# The best men all left us( and the sho' began to go do'nhill# It 'as onl& eonardo and

I 'ho $ept it up--'ith little Aimm& Griggs( the clo'n# Poor de)il( he had not much to be funn& about( but he did 'hat he could to hold things together# 4Then eonardo came more and more into m& life# 9ou see 'hat he 'as li$e# I $no' no' the poor spirit that 'as hidden in that splendid bod&( but compared to m& husband he seemed li$e the angel Gabriel# %e pitied me and helped me( till at last our intimac& turned to lo)e-deep( deep( passionate lo)e( such lo)e as I had dreamed of but ne)er hoped to feel# M& husband suspected it( but I thin$ that he 'as a co'ard as 'ell as a bull&( and that eonardo 'as the one man that he 'as afraid of# %e too$ re)enge in his o'n 'a& b& torturing me more than e)er# "ne night m& cries brought eonardo to the door of our )an# ,e 'ere near traged& that night( and soon m& lo)er and I understood that it could not be a)oided# M& husband 'as not fit to li)e# ,e planned that he should die# 4 eonardo had a cle)er( scheming brain# It 'as he 'ho planned it# I do not sa& that to blame him( for I 'as read& to go 'ith him e)er& inch of the 'a&# But I should ne)er ha)e had the 'it to thin$ of such a plan# ,e made a club-- eonardo made it--and in the leaden head he fastened fi)e long steel nails( the points out'ard( 'ith ;ust such a spread as the lion!s pa'# This 'as to gi)e m& husband his death-blo'( and &et to lea)e the e)idence that it 'as the lion 'hich 'e 'ould loose 'ho had done the deed# 4It 'as a pitch-dar$ night 'hen m& husband and I 'ent do'n( as 'as our custom( to feed the beast# ,e carried 'ith us the ra' meat in a zinc pail# eonardo 'as 'aiting at the corner of the big )an 'hich 'e should ha)e to pass before 'e reached the cage# %e 'as too slo'( and 'e 'al$ed past him before he could stri$e( but he follo'ed us on tiptoe and I heard the crash as the club smashed m& husband!s s$ull# M& heart leaped 'ith ;o& at the sound# I sprang for'ard( and I undid the catch 'hich held the door of the great lion!s cage# 4/nd then the terrible thing happened# 9ou ma& ha)e heard ho' <uic$ these creatures are to scent human blood( and ho' it excites them# Some strange instinct had told the creature in one instant that a human being had been slain# /s I slipped the bars it bounded out and 'as on me in an instant# eonardo could ha)e sa)ed me# If he had rushed for'ard and struc$ the beast 'ith his club he might ha)e co'ed it# But the man lost his ner)e# I heard him shout in his terror( and then I sa' him turn and fl&# /t the same instant the teeth of the lion met in m& face# Its hot( filth& breath had alread& poisoned me and I 'as hardl& conscious of pain# ,ith the palms of m& hands I tried to push the great steaming( blood-stained ;a's a'a& from me( and I screamed for help# I 'as conscious that the camp 'as stirring( and then diml& I remembered a group of men# eonardo( Griggs( and others( dragging me from under the creature!s pa's# That 'as m& last memor&( Mr# %olmes( for man& a 'ear& month# ,hen I came to m&self and sa' m&self in the mirror( I cursed that lion--oh( ho' I cursed him6--not because he had torn a'a& m& beaut& but because he had not torn a'a& m& life# I had but one desire( Mr# %olmes( and I had enough mone& to gratif& it# It 'as that I should co)er m&self so that m& poor face should be seen b& none( and that I should d'ell 'here none 'hom I had e)er $no'n should find me# That 'as all that 'as left to me to do--and that is 'hat I ha)e done# / poor 'ounded beast that has cra'led into its hole to die--that is the end of 5ugenia Ronder#4 ,e sat in silence for some time after the unhapp& 'oman had told her stor&# Then %olmes stretched out his long arm and patted her hand 'ith such a sho' of s&mpath& as I had seldom $no'n him to exhibit# 4Poor girl64 he said# 4Poor girl6 The 'a&s of fate are indeed hard to understand# If there is not some compensation hereafter( then the 'orld is a cruel ;est# But 'hat of this man eonardo:4

4I ne)er sa' him or heard from him again# Perhaps I ha)e been 'rong to feel so bitterl& against him# %e might as soon ha)e lo)ed one of the frea$s 'hom 'e carried round the countr& as the thing 'hich the lion had left# But a 'oman!s lo)e is not so easil& set aside# %e had left me under the beast!s cla's( he had deserted me in m& need( and &et I could not bring m&self to gi)e him to the gallo's# *or m&self( I cared nothing 'hat became of me# ,hat could be more dreadful than m& actual life: But I stood bet'een eonardo and his fate#4 4/nd he is dead:4 4%e 'as dro'ned last month 'hen bathing near Margate# I sa' his death in the paper#4 4/nd 'hat did he do 'ith this fi)e-cla'ed club( 'hich is the most singular and ingenious part of all &our stor&:4 4I cannot tell( Mr# %olmes# There is a chal$-pit b& the camp( 'ith a deep green pool at the base of it# Perhaps in the depths of that pool --4 4,ell( 'ell( it is of little conse<uence no'# The case is closed#4 49es(4 said the 'oman( 4the case is closed#4 ,e had risen to go( but there 'as something in the 'oman!s )oice 'hich arrested %olmes!s attention# %e turned s'iftl& upon her# 49our life is not &our o'n(4 he said# 4Beep &our hands off it#4 4,hat use is it to an&one:4 4%o' can &ou tell: The example of patient suffering is in itself the most precious of all lessons to an impatient 'orld#4 The 'oman!s ans'er 'as a terrible one# She raised her )eil and stepped for'ard into the light# 4I 'onder if &ou 'ould bear it(4 she said# It 'as horrible# 8o 'ords can describe the frame'or$ of a face 'hen the face itself is gone# T'o li)ing and beautiful bro'n e&es loo$ing sadl& out from that grisl& ruin did but ma$e the )ie' more a'ful# %olmes held up his hand in a gesture of pit& and protest( and together 'e left the room# T'o da&s later( 'hen I called upon m& friend( he pointed 'ith some pride to a small blue bottle upon his mantelpiece# I pic$ed it up# There 'as a red poison label# / pleasant almond& odour rose 'hen I opened it# 4Prussic acid:4 said I# 45xactl&# It came b& post# !I send &ou m& temptation# I 'ill follo' &our ad)ice#! That 'as the message# I thin$( ,atson( 'e can guess the name of the bra)e 'oman 'ho sent it#4

ADVENTURE ' ! THE ADVENTURE OF SHOSCO"$E O%D P%ACE

Sherloc$ %olmes had been bending for a long time o)er a lo'-po'er microscope# 8o' he straightened himself up and loo$ed round at me in triumph# 4It is glue( ,atson(4 said he# 47n<uestionabl& it is glue# %a)e a loo$ at these scattered ob;ects in the field64

I stooped to the e&epiece and focussed for m& )ision# 4Those hairs are threads from a t'eed coat# The irregular gra& masses are dust# There are epithelial scales on the left# Those bro'n blobs in the centre are undoubtedl& glue#4 4,ell(4 I said( laughing( 4I am prepared to ta$e &our 'ord for it# +oes an&thing depend upon it:4 4It is a )er& fine demonstration(4 he ans'ered# 4In the St# Pancras case &ou ma& remember that a cap 'as found beside the dead policeman# The accused man denies that it is his# But he is a picture-frame ma$er 'ho habituall& handles glue#4 4Is it one of &our cases:4 48o. m& friend( Meri)ale( of the 9ard( as$ed me to loo$ into the case# Since I ran do'n that coiner b& the zinc and copper filings in the seam of his cuff the& ha)e begun to realize the importance of the microscope#4 %e loo$ed impatientl& at his 'atch# 4I had a ne' client calling( but he is o)erdue# B& the 'a&( ,atson( &ou $no' something of racing:4 4I ought to# I pa& for it 'ith about half m& 'ound pension#4 4Then I!ll ma$e &ou m& !%and& Guide to the Turf#! ,hat about Sir Robert 8orberton: +oes the name recall an&thing:4 4,ell( I should sa& so# %e li)es at Shoscombe "ld Place( and I $no' it 'ell( for m& summer <uarters 'ere do'n there once# 8orberton nearl& came 'ithin &our pro)ince once#4 4%o' 'as that:4 4It 'as 'hen he horse'hipped Sam Bre'er( the 'ell-$no'n Curzon Street mone&-lender( on 8e'mar$et %eath# %e nearl& $illed the man#4 4/h( he sounds interesting6 +oes he often indulge in that 'a&:4 4,ell( he has the name of being a dangerous man# %e is about the most darede)il rider in 5ngland--second in the Grand 8ational a fe' &ears bac$# %e is one of those men 'ho ha)e o)ershot their true generation# %e should ha)e been a buc$ in the da&s of the Regenc&--a boxer( an athlete( a plunger on the turf( a lo)er of fair ladies( and( b& all account( so far do'n Fueer Street that he ma& ne)er find his 'a& bac$ again#4 4Capital( ,atson6 / thumb-nail s$etch# I seem to $no' the man# 8o'( can &ou gi)e me some idea of Shoscombe "ld Place:4 4"nl& that it is in the centre of Shoscombe Par$( and that the famous Shoscombe stud and training <uarters are to be found there#4 4/nd the head trainer(4 said %olmes( 4is Aohn Mason# 9ou need not loo$ surprised at m& $no'ledge( ,atson( for this is a letter from him 'hich I am unfolding# But let us ha)e some more about Shoscombe# I seem to ha)e struc$ a rich )ein#4 4There are the Shoscombe spaniels(4 said I# 49ou hear of them at e)er& dog sho'# The most exclusi)e breed in 5ngland# The& are the special pride of the lad& of Shoscombe "ld Place#4 4Sir Robert 8orberton!s 'ife( I presume64 4Sir Robert has ne)er married# Aust as 'ell( I thin$( considering his prospects# %e li)es 'ith his 'ido'ed sister( ad& Beatrice *alder#4 49ou mean that she li)es 'ith him:4

48o( no# The place belonged to her late husband( Sir Aames# 8orberton has no claim on it at all# It is onl& a life interest and re)erts to her husband!s brother# Meantime( she dra's the rents e)er& &ear#4 4/nd brother Robert( I suppose( spends the said rents:4 4That is about the size of it# %e is a de)il of a fello' and must lead her a most uneas& life# 9et I ha)e heard that she is de)oted to him# But 'hat is amiss at Shoscombe:4 4/h( that is ;ust 'hat I 'ant to $no'# /nd here( I expect( is the man 'ho can tell us#4 The door had opened and the page had sho'n in a tall( clean-sha)en man 'ith the firm( austere expression 'hich is onl& seen upon those 'ho ha)e to control horses or bo&s# Mr# Aohn Mason had man& of both under his s'a&( and he loo$ed e<ual to the tas$# %e bo'ed 'ith cold self-possession and seated himself upon the chair to 'hich %olmes had 'a)ed him# 49ou had m& note( Mr# %olmes:4 49es( but it explained nothing#4 4It 'as too delicate a thing for me to put the details on paper# /nd too complicated# It 'as onl& face to face I could do it#4 4,ell( 'e are at &our disposal#4 4*irst of all( Mr# %olmes( I thin$ that m& emplo&er( Sir Robert( has gone mad#4 %olmes raised his e&ebro's# 4This is Ba$er Street( not %arle& Street(4 said he# 4But 'h& do &ou sa& so:4 4,ell( sir( 'hen a man does one <ueer thing( or t'o <ueer things( there ma& be a meaning to it( but 'hen e)er&thing he does is <ueer( then &ou begin to 'onder# I belie)e Shoscombe Prince and the +erb& ha)e turned his brain#4 4That is a colt &ou are running:4 4The best in 5ngland( Mr# %olmes# I should $no'( if an&one does# 8o'( I!ll be plain 'ith &ou( for I $no' &ou are gentlemen of honour and that it 'on!t go be&ond the room# Sir Robert has got to 'in this +erb&# %e!s up to the nec$( and it!s his last chance# 5)er&thing he could raise or borro' is on the horse--and at fine odds( too6 9ou can get forties no'( but it 'as nearer the hundred 'hen he began to bac$ him#4 4But ho' is that if the horse is so good:4 4The public don!t $no' ho' good he is# Sir Robert has been too cle)er for the touts# %e has the Prince!s half-brother out for spins# 9ou can!t tell !em apart# But there are t'o lengths in a furlong bet'een them 'hen it comes to a gallop# %e thin$s of nothing but the horse and the race# %is 'hole life is on it# %e!s holding off the Ae's till then# If the Prince fails him he is done#4 4It seems a rather desperate gamble( but 'here does the madness come in:4 4,ell( first of all( &ou ha)e onl& to loo$ at him# I don!t belie)e he sleeps at night# %e is do'n at the stables at all hours# %is e&es are 'ild# It has all been too much for his ner)es# Then there is his conduct to ad& Beatrice64 4/h6 ,hat is that:4

4The& ha)e al'a&s been the best of friends# The& had the same tastes( the t'o of them( and she lo)ed the horses as much as he did# 5)er& da& at the same hour she 'ould dri)e do'n to see them--and( abo)e all( she lo)ed the Prince# %e 'ould pric$ up his ears 'hen he heard the 'heels on the gra)el( and he 'ould trot out each morning to the carriage to get his lump of sugar# But that!s all o)er no'#4 4,h&:4 4,ell( she seems to ha)e lost all interest in the horses# *or a 'ee$ no' she has dri)en past the stables 'ith ne)er so much as !Good-morning!64 49ou thin$ there has been a <uarrel:4 4/nd a bitter( sa)age( spitelful <uarrel at that# ,h& else 'ould he gi)e a'a& her pet spaniel that she lo)ed as if he 'ere her child: %e ga)e it a fe' da&s ago to old Barnes( 'hat $eeps the Green +ragon( three miles off( at Crendall#4 4That certainl& did seem strange#4 4"f course( 'ith her 'ea$ heart and drops& one couldn!t expect that she could get about 'ith him( but he spent t'o hours e)er& e)ening in her room# %e might 'ell do 'hat he could( for she has been a rare good friend to him# But that!s all o)er( too# %e ne)er goes near her# /nd she ta$es it to heart# She is brooding and sul$& and drin$ing( Mr# %olmes--drin$ing li$e a fish#4 4+id she drin$ before this estrangement:4 4,ell( she too$ her glass( but no' it is often a 'hole bottle of an e)ening# So Stephens( the butler( told me# It!s all changed( Mr# %olmes( and there is something damned rotten about it# But then( again( 'hat is master doing do'n at the old church cr&pt at night: /nd 'ho is the man that meets him there:4 %olmes rubbed his hands# 4Go on( Mr# Mason# 9ou get more and more interesting#4 4It 'as the butler 'ho sa' him go# T'el)e o!cloc$ at night and raining hard# So next night I 'as up at the house and( sure enough( master 'as off again# Stephens and I 'ent after him( but it 'as ;ump& 'or$( for it 'ould ha)e been a bad ;ob if he had seen us# %e!s a terrible man 'ith his fists if he gets started( and no respecter of persons# So 'e 'ere sh& of getting too near( but 'e mar$ed him do'n all light# It 'as the haunted cr&pt that he 'as ma$ing for( and there 'as a man 'aiting for him there#4 4,hat is this haunted cr&p:4 4,ell( sir( there is an old ruined chapel in the par$# It is so old that nobod& could fix its date# /nd under it there!s a cr&pt 'hich has a bad name among us# It!s a dar$( damp( lonel& place b& da&( but there are fe' in that count& that 'ould ha)e the ner)e to go near it at night# But master!s not afraid# %e ne)er feared an&thing in his life# But 'hat is he doing there in the night-time:4 4,ait a bit64 said %olmes# 49ou sa& there is another man there# It must be one of &our o'n stablemen( or someone from the house6 Surel& &ou ha)e onl& to spot 'ho it is and <uestion him:4 4It!s no one I $no'#4 4%o' can &ou sa& that:4

4Because I ha)e seen him( Mr# %olmes# It 'as on that second night# Sir Robert turned and passed us--me and Stephens( <ua$ing in the bushes li$e t'o bunn&-rabbits( for there 'as a bit of moon that night# But 'e could hear the other mo)ing about behind# ,e 'ere not afraid of him# So 'e up 'hen Sir Robert 'as gone and pretended 'e 'ere ;ust ha)ing a 'al$ li$e in the moonlight( and so 'e came right on him as casual and innocent as &ou please# !%ullo( mate6 'ho ma& &ou be:! sa&s I# I guess he had not heard us coming( so he loo$ed o)er his shoulder 'ith a face as if he had seen the de)il coming out of hell# %e let out a &ell( and a'a& he 'ent as hard as he could lic$ it in the dar$ness# %e could run6 --I!ll gi)e him that# In a minute he 'as out of sight and hearing( and 'ho he 'as( or 'hat he 'as( 'e ne)er found#4 4But &ou sa' him clearl& in the moonlight:4 49es( I 'ould s'ear to his &ello' face--a mean dog( I should sa&# ,hat could he ha)e in common 'ith Sir Robert:4 %olmes sat for some time lost in thought# 4,ho $eeps ad& Beatrice *alder compan&:4 he as$ed at last# 4There is her maid( Carrie 5)ans# She has been 'ith her this fi)e &ears#4 4/nd is( no doubt( de)oted:4 Mr# Mason shuffled uncomfortabl&# 4She!s de)oted enough(4 he ans'ered at last# 4But I 'on!t sa& to 'hom#4 4/h64 said %olmes# 4I can!t tell tales out of school#4 4I <uite understand( Mr# Mason# "f course( the situation is clear enough# *rom +r# ,atson!s description of Sir Robert I can realize that no 'oman is safe from him# +on!t &ou thin$ the <uarrel bet'een brother and sister ma& lie there:4 4,ell( the scandal has been prett& clear for a long time#4 4But she ma& not ha)e seen it before# et us suppose that she has suddenl& found it out# She 'ants to get rid of the 'oman# %er brother 'ill not permit it# The in)alid( 'ith her 'ea$ heart and inabilit& to get about( has no means of enforcing her 'ill# The hated maid is still tied to her# The lad& refuses to spea$( sul$s( ta$es to drin$# Sir Robert in his anger ta$es her pet spaniel a'a& from her# +oes not all this hang together:4 4,ell( it might do--so far as it goes#4 45xactl&6 /s far as it goes# %o' 'ould all that bear upon the )isits b& night to the old cr&pt: ,e can!t fit that into our plot#4 48o( sir( and there is something more that I can!t fit in# ,h& should Sir Robert 'ant to dig up a dead bod&:4 %olmes sat up abruptl&# 4,e onl& found it out &esterda&--after I had 'ritten to &ou# 9esterda& Sir Robert had gone to ondon( so Stephens and I 'ent do'n to the cr&pt# It 'as all in order( sir( except that in one corner 'as a bit of a human bod&#4 49ou informed the police( I suppose:4 "ur )isitor smiled griml&#

4,ell( sir( I thin$ it 'ould hardl& interest them# It 'as ;ust the head and a fe' bones of a mumm&# It ma& ha)e been a thousand &ears old# But it 'asn!t there before# That I!ll s'ear( and so 'ill Stephens# It had been sto'ed a'a& in a corner and co)ered o)er 'ith a board( but that corner had al'a&s been empt& before#4 4,hat did &ou do 'ith it:4 4,ell( 'e ;ust left it there#4 4That 'as 'ise# 9ou sa& Sir Robert 'as a'a& &esterda&# %as he returned:4 4,e expect him bac$ to-da&#4 4,hen did Sir Robert gi)e a'a& his sister!s dog:4 4It 'as ;ust a 'ee$ ago to-da&# The creature 'as ho'ling outside the old 'ellhouse( and Sir Robert 'as in one of his tantrums that morning# %e caught it up( and I thought he 'ould ha)e $illed it# Then he ga)e it to Sand& Bain( the ;oc$e&( and told him to ta$e the dog to old Barnes at the Green +ragon( for he ne)er 'ished to see it again#4 %olmes sat for some time in silent thought# %e had lit the oldest and foulest of his pipes# 4I am not clear &et 'hat &ou 'ant me to do in this matter( Mr# Mason(4 he said at last# 4Can!t &ou ma$e it more definite:4 4Perhaps this 'ill ma$e it more definite( Mr# %olmes(4 said our )isltor# %e too$ a paper from his poc$et( and( un'rapping it carefull&( he exposed a charred fragment of bone# %olmes examined it 'ith interest# 4,here did &ou get it:4 4There is a central heating furnace in the cellar under ad& Beatrice!s room# It!s been off for some time( but Sir Robert complained of cold and had it on again# 4%ar)e& runs it--he!s one of m& lads# This )er& morning he came to me 'ith this 'hich he found ra$ing out the cinders# %e didn!t li$e the loo$ of it#4 48or do I(4 said %olmes# 4,hat do &ou ma$e of it( ,atson:4 It 'as burned to a blac$ cinder( but there could be no <uestion as to its anatomical significance# 4It!s the upper cond&le of a human femur(4 said I# 45xactl&64 %olmes had become )er& serious# 4,hen does this lad tend to the furnace:4 4%e ma$es it up e)er& e)ening and then lea)es it#4 4Then an&one could )isit it during the night:4 49es( sir#4 4Can &ou enter it from outside:4 4There is one door from outside# There is another 'hich leads up b& a stair to the passage in 'hich ad& Beatrice!s room is situated#4 4These are deep 'aters( Mr# Mason. deep and rather dirt&# 9ou sa& that Sir Robert 'as not at home last night:4

48o( sir#4 4Then( 'hoe)er 'as burning bones( it 'as not he#4 4That!s true# sir#4 4,hat is the name of that inn &ou spo$e of:4 4The Green +ragon#4 4Is there good fishing in that part of Ber$shire:4 The honest trainer sho'ed )er& clearl& upon his face that he 'as con)inced that &et another lunatic had come into his harassed life# 4,ell( sir( I!)e heard there are trout in the mill-stream and pi$e in the %all la$e#4 4That!s good enough# ,atson and I are famous fishermen--are 'e not( ,atson: 9ou ma& address us in future at the Green +ragon# ,e should reach it to-night# I need not sa& that 'e don!t 'ant to see &ou( Mr# Mason( but a note 'ill reach us( and no doubt I could find &ou if I 'ant &ou# ,hen 'e ha)e gone a little farther into the matter I 'ill let &ou ha)e a considered opinion#4 Thus it 'as that on a bright Ma& e)ening %olmes and I found oursel)es alone in a first-class carriage and bound for the little 4halt-on-demand4 station of Shoscombe# The rac$ abo)e us 'as co)ered 'ith a formidable litter of rods( reels( and bas$ets# "n reaching our destination a short dri)e too$ us to an old-fashioned ta)ern( 'here a sporting host( Aosiah Barnes( entered eagerl& into our plans for the extirpation of the fish of the neighbourhood# 4,hat about the %all la$e and the chance of a pi$e:4 said %olmes# The face of the inn$eeper clouded# 4That 'ouldn!t do( sir# 9ou might chance to find &ourself in the la$e before &ou 'ere through#4 4%o'!s that( then:4 4It!s Sir Robert( sir# %e!s terrible ;ealous of touts# If &ou t'o strangers 'ere as near his training <uarters as that he!d be after &ou as sure as fate# %e ain!t ta$ing no chances( Sir Robert ain!t#4 4I!)e heard he has a horse entered for the +erb&#4 49es( and a good colt( too# %e carries all our mone& for the race( and all Sir Robert!s into the bargain# B& the 'a&4--he loo$ed at us 'ith thoughtful e&es--4I suppose &ou ain!t on the turf &oursel)es:4 48o( indeed# Aust t'o 'ear& ondoners 'ho badl& need some good Ber$shire air#4 4,ell( &ou are in the right place for that# There is a deal of it l&ing about# But mind 'hat I ha)e told &ou about Sir Robert# %e!s the sort that stri$es first and spea$s after'ards# Beep clear of the par$#4 4Surel&( Mr# Barnes6 ,e certainl& shall# B& the 'a&( that 'as a most beautiful spaniel that 'as 'hining in the hall#4 4I should sa& it 'as# That 'as the real Shoscombe breed# There ain!t a better in 5ngland#4 4I am a dog-fancier m&self(4 said %olmes# 48o'( if it is a fair <uestion( 'hat 'ould a prize dog li$e that cost:4 4More than I could pa&( sir# It 'as Sir Robert himself 'ho ga)e me this one# That!s 'h& I ha)e to $eep it on a lead# It 'ould be off to the %all in a ;iff& if I ga)e it its head#4

4,e are getting some cards in our hand( ,atson(4 said %olmes 'hen the landlord had left us# 4It!s not an eas& one to pla&( but 'e ma& see our 'a& in a da& or t'o# B& the 'a&( Sir Robert is still in ondon( I hear# ,e might( perhaps( enter the sacred domain to-night 'ithout fear of bodil& assault# There are one or t'o points on 'hich I should li$e reassurance#4 4%a)e &ou an& theor&( %olmes:4 4"nl& this( ,atson( that something happened a 'ee$ or so ago 'hich has cut deep into the life of the Shoscombe household# ,hat is that something: ,e can onl& guess at it from its effects# The& seem to be of a curiousl& mixed character# But that should surel& help us# It is onl& the colourless( une)entful case 'hich is hopeless# 4 et us consider our data# The brother no longer )isits the belo)ed in)alid sister# %e gi)es a'a& her fa)ourite dog# %er dog( ,atson6 +oes that suggest nothing to &ou:4 48othing but the brother!s spite#4 4,ell( it might be so# "r--'ell( there is an alternati)e# 8o' to continue our re)ie' of the situation from the time that the <uarrel( if there is a <uarrel( began# The lad& $eeps her room( alters her habits( is not seen sa)e 'hen she dri)es out 'ith her maid( refuses to stop at the stables to greet her fa)ourite horse and apparentl& ta$es to drin$# That co)ers the case( does it not:4 4Sa)e for the business in the cr&pt#4 4That is another line of thought# There are t'o( and I beg &ou 'ill not tangle them# ine /( 'hich concerns ad& Beatrice( has a )aguel& sinister fla)our( has it not:4 4I can ma$e nothing of it#4 4,ell( no'( let us ta$e up line B( 'hich concerns Sir Robert# %e is mad $een upon 'inning the +erb&# %e is in the hands of the Ae's( and ma& at an& moment be sold up and his racing stables seized b& his creditors# %e is a daring and desperate man# %e deri)es his income from his sister# %is sister!s maid is his 'illing tool# So far 'e seem to be on fairl& safe ground( do 'e not:4 4But the cr&pt:4 4/h( &es( the cr&pt6 et us suppose( ,atson--it is merel& a scandalous supposition( a h&pothesis put for'ard for argument!s sa$e-- that Sir Robert has done a'a& 'ith his sister#4 4M& dear %olmes( it is out of the <uestion#4 4Ver& possibl&( ,atson# Sir Robert is a man of an honourable stoc$# But &ou do occasionall& find a carrion cro' among the eagles# et us for a moment argue upon this supposition# %e could not fl& the countr& until he had realized his fortune( and that fortune could onl& be realized b& bringing off this coup 'ith Shoscombe Prince# Therefore( he has still to stand his ground# To do this he 'ould ha)e to dispose of the bod& of his )ictim( and he 'ould also ha)e to find a substitute 'ho 'ould impersonate her# ,ith the maid as his confidante that 'ould not be impossible# The 'oman!s bod& might be con)e&ed to the cr&pt( 'hich is a place so seldom )isited( and it might be secretl& destro&ed at night in the furnace( lea)ing behind it such e)idence as 'e ha)e alread& seen# ,hat sa& &ou to that( ,atson:4 4,ell( it is all possible if &ou grant the original monstrous supposition#4 4I thin$ that there is a small experiment 'hich 'e ma& tr& to-morro'( ,atson( in order to thro' some light on the matter# Mean'hile( if 'e mean to $eep up our characters( I suggest

that 'e ha)e our host in for a glass of his o'n 'ine and hold some high con)erse upon eels and dace( 'hich seems to be the straight road to his affections# ,e ma& chance to come upon some useful local gossip in the process#4 In the morning %olmes disco)ered that 'e had come 'ithout our spoon-bait for ;ac$( 'hich absol)ed us from fishing for the da&# /bout ele)en o!cloc$ 'e started for a 'al$( and he obtained lea)e to ta$e the blac$ spaniel 'ith us# 4This is the place(4 said he as 'e came to t'o high par$ gates 'ith heraldic griffins to'ering abo)e them# 4/bout midda&( Mr Barnes informs me( the old lad& ta$es a dri)e( and the carriage must slo' do'n 'hile the gates are opened# ,hen it comes through( and before it gathers speed( I 'ant &ou( ,atson( to stop the coachman 'ith some <uestion# 8e)er mind me# I shall stand behind this holl&-bush and see 'hat I can see#4 It 'as not a long )igil# ,ithin a <uarter of an hour 'e sa' the big open &ello' barouche coming do'n the long a)enue( 'ith t'o splendid( high-stepping gra& carriage horses in the shafts# %olmes crouched behind his bush 'ith the dog# I stood unconcemedl& s'inging a cane in the road'a&# / $eeper ran out and the gates s'ung open# The carriage had slo'ed to a 'al$( and I 'as able to get a good loo$ at the occupants# / highl& coloured &oung 'oman 'ith flaxen hair and impudent e&es sat on the left# /t her right 'as an elderl& person 'ith rounded bac$ and a huddle of sha'ls about her face and shoulders 'hich proclaimed the in)alid# ,hen the horses reached the highroad I held up m& hand 'ith an authoritati)e gesture( and as the coachman pulled up I in<uired if Sir Robert 'as at Shoscombe "ld Place# /t the same moment %olmes stepped out and released the spaniel# ,ith a ;o&ous cr& it dashed for'ard to the carriage and sprang upon the step# Then in a moment its eager greeting changed to furious rage( and it snapped at the blac$ s$irt abo)e it# 4+ri)e on6 +ri)e on64 shrie$ed a harsh )oice# The coachman lashed the horses( and 'e 'ere left standing in the road'a&# 4,ell( ,atson( that!s done it(4 said %olmes as he fastened the lead to the nec$ of the excited spaniel# 4%e thought it 'as his mistress( and he found it 'as a stranger# +ogs don!t ma$e mista$es#4 4But it 'as the )oice of a man64 I cried# 45xactl&6 ,e ha)e added one card to our hand( ,atson( but it needs careful pla&ing( all the same#4 M& companion seemed to ha)e no further plans for the da&( and 'e did actuall& use our fishing tac$le in the mill-stream 'ith the result that 'e had a dish of trout for our supper# It 'as onl& after that meal that %olmes sho'ed signs of rene'ed acti)it&# "nce more 'e found oursel)es upon the same road as in the morning( 'hich led us to the par$ gates# / tall( dar$ figure 'as a'aiting us there( 'ho pro)ed to be our ondon ac<uaintance( Mr# Aohn Mason( the trainer# 4Good-e)ening( gentlemen(4 said he# 4I got &our note( Mr# %olmes# Sir Robert has not returned &et( but I hear that he is expected to-night#4 4%o' far is this cr&pt from the house:4 as$ed %olmes# 4/ good <uarter of a mile#4 4Then I thin$ 'e can disregard him altogether#4

4I can!t afford to do that( Mr# %olmes# The moment he arri)es he 'ill 'ant to see me to get the last ne's of Shoscombe Prince#4 4I see6 In that case 'e must 'or$ 'ithout &ou( Mr# Mason# 9ou can sho' us the cr&pt and then lea)e us#4 It 'as pitch-dar$ and 'ithout a moon( but Mason led us o)er the grass-lands until a dar$ mass loomed up in front of us 'hich pro)ed to be the ancient chapel# ,e entered the bro$en gap 'hich 'as once the porch( and our guide( stumbling among heaps of loose masonr&( pic$ed his 'a& to the corner of the building( 'here a steep stair led do'n into the cr&pt# Stri$ing a match( he illuminated the melanchol& place --dismal and e)il-smelling( 'ith ancient crumbling 'alls of rough-he'n stone( and piles of coffins( some of lead and some of stone( extending upon one side right up to the arched and groined roof 'hich lost itself in the shado's abo)e our heads# %olmes had lit his lantern( 'hich shot a tin& tunnel of )i)id &ello' light upon the mournful scene# Its ra&s 'ere reflected bac$ from the coffin-plates( man& of them adorned 'ith the griffin and coronet of this old famil& 'hich carried its honours e)en to the gate of +eath# 49ou spo$e of some bones( Mr# Mason# Could &ou sho' them before &ou go:4 4The& are here in this corner#4 The trainer strode across and then stood in silent surprise as our light 'as turned upon the place# 4The& are gone(4 said he# 4So I expected(4 said %olmes( chuc$ling# 4I fanc& the ashes of them might e)en no' be found in that o)en 'hich had alread& consumed a part#4 4But 'h& in the 'orld 'ould an&one 'ant to burn the bones of a man 'ho has been dead a thousand &ears:4 as$ed Aohn Mason# 4That is 'hat 'e are here to find out(4 said %olmes# 4It ma& mean a long search( and 'e need not detain &ou# I fanc& that 'e shall get our solution before morning#4 ,hen Aohn Mason had left us( %olmes set to 'or$ ma$ing a )er& careful examination of the gra)es( ranging from a )er& ancient one( 'hich appeared to be Saxon( in the centre( through a long line of 8orman %ugos and "dos( until 'e reached the Sir ,illiam and Sir +enis *alder of the eighteenth centur&# It 'as an hour or more before %olmes came to a leaden coffin standing on end before the entrance to the )ault# I heard his little cr& of satisfaction and 'as a'are from his hurried but purposeful mo)ements that he had reached a goal# ,ith his lens he 'as eagerl& examining the edges of the hea)& lid# Then he dre' from his poc$et a short ;emm&( a box-opener( 'hich he thrust into a chin$( le)ering bac$ the 'hole front( 'hich seemed to be secured b& onl& a couple of clamps# There 'as a rending( tearing sound as it ga)e 'a&( but it had hardl& hinged bac$ and partl& re)ealed the contents before 'e had an unforeseen interruption# Someone 'as 'al$ing in the chapel abo)e# It 'as the firm( rapid step of one 'ho came 'ith a definite purpose and $ne' 'ell the ground upon 'hich he 'al$ed# / light streamed do'n the stairs( and an instant later the man 'ho bore it 'as framed in the Gothic arch'a&# %e 'as a terrible figure( huge in stature and fierce in manner# / large stable-lantern 'hich he held in front of him shone up'ard upon a strong( hea)il& moustached face and angr& e&es( 'hich glared round him into e)er& recess of the )ault( finall& fixing themsel)es 'ith a deadl& stare upon m& companion and m&self# 4,ho the de)il are &ou:4 he thundered# 4/nd 'hat are &ou doing upon m& propert&:4 Then( as %olmes returned no ans'er he too$ a couple of steps for'ard and raised a hea)& stic$

'hich he carried# 4+o &ou hear me:4 he cried# 4,ho are &ou: ,hat are &ou doing here:4 %is cudgel <ui)ered in the air# But instead of shrin$ing %olmes ad)anced to meet him# 4I also ha)e a <uestion to as$ &ou( Sir Robert(4 he said in his sternest tone# 4,ho is this: /nd 'hat is it doing here:4 %e turned and tore open the coffin-lid behind him# In the glare of the lantern I sa' a bod& s'athed in a sheet from head to foot 'ith dreadful( 'itch-li$e features( all nose and chin( pro;ecting at one end( the dim( glazed e&es staring from a discoloured and crumbling face# The baronet had staggered bac$ 'ith a cr& and supported himself against a stone sarcophagus# 4%o' came &ou to $no' of this:4 he cried# /nd then( 'ith some return of his truculent manner? 4,hat business is it of &ours:4 4M& name is Sherloc$ %olmes(4 said m& companion# 4Possibl& it is familiar to &ou# In an& case( m& business is that of e)er& other good citizen--to uphold the la'# It seems to me that &ou ha)e much to ans'er for#4 Sir Robert glared for a moment( but %olmes!s <uiet )oice and cool( assured manner had their effect# 4!*ore God( Mr# %olmes( it!s all right(4 said he# 4/ppearances are against me( I!ll admit( but I could act no other'ise#4 4I should be happ& to thin$ so( but I fear &our explanations must be before the police#4 Sir Robert shrugged his broad shoulders# 4,ell( if it must be( it must# Come up to the house and &ou can ;udge for &ourself ho' the matter stands#4 / <uarter of an hour later 'e found oursel)es in 'hat I ;udge( from the lines of polished barrels behind glass co)ers( to be the gun-room of the old house# It 'as comfortabl& furnished( and here Sir Robert left us for a fe' moments# ,hen he returned he had t'o companions 'ith him. the one( the florid &oung 'oman 'hom 'e had seen in the carriage. the other( a small rat-faced man 'ith a disagreeabl& furti)e manner# These t'o 'ore an appearance of utter be'ilderment( 'hich sho'ed that the baronet had not &et had time to explain to them the turn e)ents had ta$en# 4There(4 said Sir Robert 'ith a 'a)e of his hand( 4are Mr# and Mrs# 8orlett# Mrs# 8orlett( under her maiden name of 5)ans( has for some &ears been m& sister!s confidential maid# I ha)e brought them here because I feel that m& best course is to explain the true position to &ou( and the& are the t'o people upon earth 'ho can substantiate 'hat I sa&#4 4Is this necessar&( Sir Robert: %a)e &ou thought 'hat &ou are doing:4 cried the 'oman# 4/s to me( I entirel& disclaim all responsibilit&(4 said her husband# Sir Robert ga)e him a glance of contempt# 4I 'ill ta$e all responsibilit&(4 said he# 48o'( Mr# %olmes( listen to a plain statement of the facts# 49ou ha)e clearl& gone prett& deepl& into m& affairs or I should not ha)e found &ou 'here I did# Therefore( &ou $no' alread&( in all probabilit&( that I am running a dar$ horse for the

+erb& and that e)er&thing depends upon m& success# If I 'in( all is eas&# If I lose-- 'ell( I dare not thin$ of that64 4I understand the position(4 said %olmes# 4I am dependent upon m& sister( ad& Beatrice( for e)er&thing# But it is 'ell $no'n that her interest in the estate is for her o'n life onl&# *or m&self( I am deepl& in the hands of the Ae's# I ha)e al'a&s $no'n that if m& sister 'ere to die m& creditors 'ould be on to m& estate li$e a floc$ of )ultures# 5)er&thing 'ould be seized--m& stables( m& horses--e)er&thing# ,ell( Mr# %olmes( m& sister did die ;ust a 'ee$ ago#4 4/nd &ou told no one64 4,hat could I do: /bsolute ruin faced me# If I could sta)e things off for three 'ee$s all 'ould be 'ell# %er maid!s husband--this man here --is an actor# It came into our heads--it came into m& head--that he could for that short period personate m& sister# It 'as but a case of appearing dail& in the carriage( for no one need enter her room sa)e the maid# It 'as not difficult to arrange# M& sister died of the drops& 'hich had long afflicted her#4 4That 'ill be for a coroner to decide#4 4%er doctor 'ould certif& that for months her s&mptoms ha)e threatened such an end#4 4,ell( 'hat did &ou do:4 4The bod& could not remain there# "n the first night 8orlett and I carried it out to the old 'ellhouse( 'hich is no' ne)er used# ,e 'ere follo'ed( ho'e)er( b& her pet spaniel( 'hich &apped continuall& at the door( so I felt some safer place 'as needed# I got rid of the spaniel( and 'e carried the bod& to the cr&pt of the church# There 'as no indignit& or irre)erence( Mr# %olmes# I do not feel that I ha)e 'ronged the dead#4 49our conduct seems to me inexcusable( Sir Robert#4 The baronet shoo$ his head impatientl&# 4It is eas& to preach(4 said he# 4Perhaps &ou 'ould ha)e felt differentl& if &ou had been in m& position# "ne cannot see all one!s hopes and all one!s plans shattered at the last moment and ma$e no effort to sa)e them# It seemed to me that it 'ould be no un'orth& resting-place if 'e put her for the time in one of the coffins of her husband!s ancestors l&ing in 'hat is still consecrated ground# ,e opened such a coffin( remo)ed the contents( and placed her as &ou ha)e seen her# /s to the old relics 'hich 'e too$ out( 'e could not lea)e them on the floor of the cr&pt# 8orlett and I remo)ed them( and he descended at night and burned them in the central furnace# There is m& stor&( Mr# %olmes( though ho' &ou forced m& hand so that I ha)e to tell it is more than I can sa&#4 %olmes sat for some time lost in thought# 4There is one fla' in &our narrati)e( Sir Robert(4 he said at last# 49our bets on the race( and therefore &our hopes for the future( 'ould hold good e)en if &our creditors seized &our estate#4 4The horse 'ould be part of the estate# ,hat do the& care for m& bets: /s li$el& as not the& 'ould not run him at all# M& chief creditor is( unhappil&( m& most bitter enem&--a rascall& fello'( Sam Bre'er( 'hom I 'as once compelled to horse'hip on 8e'mar$et %eath# +o &ou suppose that he 'ould tr& to sa)e me:4 4,ell( Sir Robert(4 said %olmes( rising( 4this matter must( of course( be referred to the police# It 'as m& dut& to bring the facts to light( and there I must lea)e it# /s to the moralit& or

decenc& of &our conduct( it is not for me to express an opinion# It is nearl& midnight( ,atson( and I thin$ 'e ma& ma$e our 'a& bac$ to our humble abode#4 It is generall& $no'n no' that this singular episode ended upon a happier note than Sir Robert!s actions deser)ed# Shoscombe Prince did 'in the +erb&( the sporting o'ner did net eight& thousand pounds in bets( and the creditors did hold their hand until the race 'as o)er( 'hen the& 'ere paid in full( and enough 'as left to reestablish Sir Robert in a fair position in life# Both police and coroner too$ a lenient )ie' of the transaction( and be&ond a mild censure for the dela& in registering the lad&!s decease( the luc$& o'ner got a'a& scatheless from this strange incident in a career 'hich has no' outli)ed its shado's and promises to end in an honoured old age#

THE END