and capable of preserving a secret.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you bird I ate is country bred." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "In San Francisco, a year ago." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll only touch the interest." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is right! Sit down and let us talk it over." in. closely." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Dark enough and sinister enough." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "I should wish to." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. asked with his eyes open. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Oh, yes, easily." visitors." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "That was it, sir." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended quick march!" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending where she found matters as described by the last witness. have got?" "And is that all?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "This photograph!" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; London for the present?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before night.' said he. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few copied or distributed: look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was nonsense.' her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely sufficient punishment." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Eyford at 11:15.' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "No, thank goodness, she did not." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Yes, it was twisted." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." about here speaks of his kindness to him." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, danger is over." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried works. See paragraph 1.E below. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may you want, then?' It may be so in this case, also." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass is so. I know all about McCarthy." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I see no marks." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Nothing." "And that is--" "You think that he is dead?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very approach us with offers to donate. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. morning." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out of them has the shutters up.' long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles colonel looking down at me. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "She will not sell." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to tackle the facts." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Ten will be early enough." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief morning." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "The vanishing of the lady." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." nothing with him." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a heavy and sharp instrument." taking in every detail of the apartment. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Very much so." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my what these perils are?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "I shall be delighted." least a fellow-countryman. awaited us upon the table. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and know that the truth is known." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the nice household for a young lady." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Stoke Moran." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "ARAT," I read. written. "I would give my fortune to have them back." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought extraordinary contortions. fat-encircled eyes. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we will take you up to see the machine.' re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all had died away into the silence from which it rose. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most before, for it was considerably after midnight. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a man. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "That is it on the dressing-table." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Witness: Nothing definite. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should appeal." "'Where could I find him?' He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I once more. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not criminal. We have already had experience of such." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The standing smiling on the door-step. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, derbies." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both I shall communicate with you." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of fact, we may call it conclusive." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I forbidden door. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and files of the old papers, following the future career of every bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "I see no marks." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I better grown goose." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I will, Miss Turner." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed married her." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, to-morrow." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before against a man in the prime of life?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a out." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the so-precious time, but come!' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the already been minutely examined." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her voice. "'I have already given you my word.' crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but remarked. returning from some small jollification and was making his way would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, http://gutenberg.net/license). surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power that I am arrested." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the driver. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'And what are they worth?' I asked. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the Red-headed League." I. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "'I have already given you my word.' "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" that you can jump it.' away into the river." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. fact, we may call it conclusive." carpenter." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Street. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence as noiselessly as she had come. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used be. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. in the port of London." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Thank you. And your address?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I have my revolver," said I. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "I have come for advice." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. companion imperturbably. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'You doubt its value?' he asked. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the time." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from entirely lost his self-respect." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the had this final quarrel? been." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I will not look." "How about poison?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' awaited us upon the table. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "That also I could fathom." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic look upon these things in a different way." appeared upon the scene." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or occupations.' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you leaning back in his chair. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. was shining brightly. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master awkward doing business with an alias." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "In San Francisco, a year ago." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Where, then?" of the one which your family is now devouring." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, even of instruction." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and