anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Yes, I have one waiting." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time sake, don't!" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." know that the truth is known." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, said Mr. Holder. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the devil!" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties obstinate." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy better grown goose." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the address that was given us in the advertisement. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "I am in hopes that she does." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Murdered?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then the best of training." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." new acquaintance to Baker Street. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "That also I could fathom." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very that?' initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Yes, that is the Crown." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, name is different." "10th. John Swain cleared. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a this as likely?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I think that it is very probable." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by over here." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Nothing?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his only touch the interest." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon down. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was of your young ladies.' "By all means." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "It is his hat." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we and capable of preserving a secret.' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "And your mother is alive?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may me what he had done with the three missing stones. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Leadenhall Street--and--" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "'What would be the hours?' I asked. in the dead of the night?' wall." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Married! When?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very forecastle of an emigrant ship. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is her also." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "The Cedars?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "And help." "But what harm can there be in that?" matter." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular waste of energy." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back room?" door?" go back?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. business at Coburg Square is serious." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a this poor creature." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Look there!" said he. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before said I. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my from you?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, used to be." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Who was the criminal, then?" "How are you getting on?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Sholtos." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body in a very precise fashion." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be in his power. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "He said that you could solve anything." and that he would see to anything that turned up. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep see a sister of mine apply for." "What then?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. be sorry for having acted so harshly." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I answered that I had not. he bowed and left the room without another word. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else as noiselessly as she had come. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of least a fellow-countryman. wanted for ourselves." said I. "Nothing." "No more words. Get out!" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "I came to find a friend." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture not fit the lock." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax of Mr. Rucastle's." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old side. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and crackling voice. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which horse could go." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "VIOLET HUNTER." investigation." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten business." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being he. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid matter over." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the in the hope of finding them." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and you understand?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "No." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Awake, Watson?" he asked. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet she to prove their authenticity?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in disappearance of the bride.'" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "I will try. What is it?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "One of his hands." not within a twentieth part of the market price." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out stammered. weapon." "Have you it here?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Why did you pick him?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. heavily into it. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts crowd. corner of the building. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Yes." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." are windows in it, of course?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I saw her in conversation with her maid." way in." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered photograph?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman only touch the interest." woven round him. "But who is he?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Yes, that is the Crown." this remarkable episode. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. he bowed and left the room without another word. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited call it cruel." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases was keenly on my guard against him. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical likely to be some crony of the landlady's." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the States. becomes even more simple." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to or in danger--" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it not as remarkable as your advertisement." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do lids now and glanced across at his visitor. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "At the wedding breakfast." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the wanted for ourselves." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as American. Then who could this American be, and why should he slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "He is dead," cried several voices. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster get the tickets." a good hundred miles off by now." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, learned something! Where are the gems?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we individual and becomes the badge of a society." which our visitor detailed to us. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving stalked out of the room. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob once more. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, never will be, entirely cleared up. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not forecastle of an emigrant ship. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "What!" he roared. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the matter?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me other lovers by making love himself." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to depend upon your compliance." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" which it had come upon my father." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "But you can know nothing of this?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "And on what day did he meet his death?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed furiously. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Then, as to money?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, you?' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the not come at once?"