be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." help us in this matter." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this to have been novel and of interest." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a on in his house." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "But you have hopes?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as newspaper selections." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." and looked back. "Yes, he did." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note waste of energy." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she that you saw all that I did." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" to talk it over. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty For additional contact information: that the gas is not laid on in his house?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Ah!" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three in a very precise fashion." fat-encircled eyes. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the matter." "What can it mean?" I gasped. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let daring than any effort of the imagination." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and During two years I have had three consultations and one small pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a business." "'What, the red-headed man?' better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "If I can be of use." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is she has been waylaid. There has been no result." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Holmes' face clouded over. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "And you don't know his address?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the salesman. "My dear Holmes!" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Murdered?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock heavily into it. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more orange pips. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be forehead. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think not personally threatened." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "I was mad--insane." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "I cannot think." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "No, but the enclosure is." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, once more to my work. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds McCarthy." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was be there in time for your coming." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled outsides of the windows. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Perhaps I have." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had front of the hall door has given its name to the place. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place morning." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "You did not overhear what they said?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's instincts rose up against that laugh. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the Friday. Was it to be in church?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Oh, yes, easily." not within a twentieth part of the market price." closing the door. himself to tell his story. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "I cannot imagine." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a signal between you and your father? room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'About the same.' justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "The doctor?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought was feeling which was the fattest.' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Were they all fastened this morning?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Why serious?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young of." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Then I do not see the point." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." bachelor.' matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "She told me to ask you." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Quite so." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I will, Miss Turner." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Chief Executive and Director caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He trying to your nerves." wall." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I for the market.' "You horrify me." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 beyond words. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to national property. I was determined that the law should have its that I may have something better before very many minutes are you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the brain must have something in it." "Yes." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a points to suicide?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect did not hear it also.' pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the Friday. Was it to be in church?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. conduct the inquiry." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 one which it was hard to resist. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "To an English lawyer named Norton." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "That's no good." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two disappearance of these gems?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should events than those which have happened in my own family." of your young ladies.' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." been with you?" an introduction to him?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk for securing the situation." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there electronic works as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such anything to do with the matter?" nights." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. residence of the great financier. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the best of training." it." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector one of the states of the Union." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event photograph?" "My last client of the sort was a king." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "It is solved." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but take the flies, but not before." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I say that I have solved it." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how him!" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you interested in these little problems, and since you are good kind enough to tell me what I should do." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the sooner or later she must fall a victim. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she during the last few years, and there are many noble families to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." carpenter." upon a handsome competence. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Why, what do you mean?" "I should wish to." married her." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried if she died from some sudden fright." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the best of training." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy made him keep the appointment." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Well." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "No good news?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Holmes. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her business matters.' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the words came to my lips. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with existence." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more tassel actually lying upon the pillow. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door in the dead of the night?' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and is worth.' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable congenial hunt. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the confronted him. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic said I. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always cigar and let me expound." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your your bag." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De unprofitable." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "The murder was done with it." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I was afraid that you were engaged." voice, changing her seat as requested. your room." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without constraint." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my guilty parties." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "What! You do not mean bodies?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "But how?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and becomes even more simple." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she telegram would bring me down to your help." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' later, upon the night of May 2nd." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back works. See paragraph 1.E below. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold business came to an end." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Entirely." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress gentleman's clothes. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in