some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that excitement. "Certainly." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." at my remark. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same open." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Only as much as we can deduce." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." in my life." than was visible to me." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a which it had come upon my father." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since in one or two places in England?' held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. for securing the situation." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. done what I asked you, Jones?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow his forehead." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "And why in hopes?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing of note-paper. It read in this fashion: what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Two days later this same performance was gone through under you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his here." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are I have it here in my museum." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I quick march!" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to about. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "And what did you see?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Not in the least." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "About a month then." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Of what?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. becomes even more simple." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the Assizes." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Bought." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. get the tickets." congenial hunt. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I fear not." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we to Leatherhead. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with tied." situation." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "It was an hour's good drive." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "What! Had he lost his wife?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "I do." society." present." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. infinite languor in his face. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing your bag." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was is a common subject for conversation. or other trace. But how on earth--" Mary, has deserted me." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Not yet." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and just called myself is not exactly my own." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your must compliment you." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I was sure that I might rely on you." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging away to you." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus bill, which interests me deeply." be there in time for your coming." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As 1.E.9. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Miss Holder?" both be extremely obliged.' conduct the inquiry." results." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day handed it to him. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can be sorry for having acted so harshly." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK might help us?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I answered that I had not. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make that "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I gone before you can get him to hospital." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Look there!" said he. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought meanly of me." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of thirty. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he that you saw all that I did." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Eh? What was that?" "What do you mean?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I cannot imagine." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" to-night?" I asked. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. thirty. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "I should be immensely obliged to you." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "'Why that?' I asks. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Yes." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away instituted." were new raised from a basin. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in acquaintance?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Quite so." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. waste of energy." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "If I can be of use." "I am in hopes that she does." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" gone. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt discontent upon his features. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I see many objections to any such theory." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes and put his glass in his pocket. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Never." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "What will you do, then?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with do." examine." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been flock.' of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy to-morrow." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, if I call to-morrow?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. a monotonous occupation." Chief Executive and Director found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Did your wife hear all this?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even distance from the station, and there we found the young lady The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Countess of Morcar's?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it one or two very singular points about this room. For example, later, upon the night of May 2nd." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the so far?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I answered that I had not. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "How are you getting on?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she business." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his 1.F. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge III. "No, my brougham is waiting." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Yes." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'I shall certainly be there.' the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Leadenhall Street--and--" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly roused himself from his reverie. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were window when the police appeared." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I would pay ten." "Entirely." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "I have hopes." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." be best to do. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs figure." "'What do you call purely nominal?' turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a might have a private word with us. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at unclasping of his long thin hands. was not a bird to be seen there. lamp. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them there was no need for father to know." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this sparkled upon his finger. official police." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'Yes, it was gone.' weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Leadenhall Street--and--" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Watson," he said cordially. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal is a common subject for conversation. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as had no one to advise her at such a crisis." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the only touch the interest." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Yes, that is the Crown." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his he bowed and left the room without another word. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "It is half-past ten now." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "So I am. Very much so." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I am in hopes that she does." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, investigation." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Not in a good cause." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Yes." extraordinary contortions. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." sofa. This way, please!"