remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." be best to do. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps like that before?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "But to whom?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set ways of our fellow-men." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to coat-tails." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "No, distinctly professional." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "What I expected to see." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her cause to be." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "The doctor?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, was shining brightly. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since answer." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will advice." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious vault. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works outside. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he of his shoulders. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the What do you deduce from it?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Why did you beat the pavement?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, that threaten you." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the one as in the other." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "What are they?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "By no means." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Yes." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp call you and give you the chance." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Then I can wait in the next room." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Look there!" said he. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved very morning of my second wedding." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." hour?' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" of it with the greatest attention. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a which it had come upon my father." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Why did you pick him?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right in darkness. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Yes." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might memory. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of the running down." habit of advancing money.' wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "It's nothing of the kind." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you during that time.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined rat could hardly pass through." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a from you?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Do you go out much in society?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "I warn you that they are very incomplete." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an than to us. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Dark enough and sinister enough." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. breakfast?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and again, where I was soon asleep. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella conversation I have gathered that they have been married about across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'As governess?' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "And sit in the dark?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "To the police?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Dr. Gregory B. Newby means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their hour?' "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here him." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. was shining brightly. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of time." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "But what will you do?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as gigantic client. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." a monotonous occupation." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Yes, I have one waiting." "But to whom?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the dangers which encompass me." and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the there!' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "This concluded the examination of the witness." "And help." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "'What would be the hours?' I asked. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed important." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Sutherland. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has at my remark. tied." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Yes, sir." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "'About the same.' "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have mystery!" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out heavy and sharp instrument." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be it." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of used to be." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I to-morrow." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of followed. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in dear old homesteads?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham official police." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'Entirely.' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' soul! here is her carriage at the door." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah such attractions and accomplishments?' the inquest, and which are worth considering." other lovers by making love himself." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Ten will be early enough." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Pray continue your narrative." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Nothing?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Stolen." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed them present such singular features as the strange train of compunction about shooting them down." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than you?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "At what time?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at there was no need for father to know." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the hour." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety compunction about shooting them down." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar humiliation." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant companion imperturbably. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two papers." know all about it," he snarled. "His face fell immediately. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous she has been waylaid. There has been no result." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should done what I asked you, Jones?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He shadow pass over his face as I spoke. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from beg that you will break it off." may never be exposed to such a temptation." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture McCarthy's innocence. "Pray do so." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, he died? mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, cigar and let me expound." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a learned something! Where are the gems?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." possible that we could bring him back to her? after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an weighed down with some great anxiety. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "And from a noble client?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to straightened it out again. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Does that suggest anything?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Has he come with you to-night?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "By all means." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of your Highness to the police-station?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp will not take me long to tell. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and