deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. was a lad." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, sooner or later she must fall a victim. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. you give your casting vote to?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Then you may be so with me." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Nothing." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and conclusions. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Were they all fastened this morning?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of to-night?" I asked. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the nursery. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted good for you to do.' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon such person." your equipment. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. his wife has ceased to love him." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' woman." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first and the church but not where the lady lived." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "And it is--" "And the cigar-holder?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He the loss of it. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the was keenly on my guard against him. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "A thing like a cleaver," said he. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination colour had been driven from his face. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were you understand?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton persecution?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against lost nothing by them." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "And what then?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my read it out to me." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "How do you know, then?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. once more to my work. "Well, but China?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. very old mansion. the inquest, and which are worth considering." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord friends, not even his own brother. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "But the mystery?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the bed, and you in that chair." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand not as remarkable as your advertisement." power." "How did that help you?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Now, then, what's the last entry?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Dirty?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." married her." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "None." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come should be so warm over such a trifle." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "It certainly sounds feasible." "Come in!" said Holmes. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Street. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it bill, which interests me deeply." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I cannot think." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried envelope. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I was certainly surprised to find you there." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Yes." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Come in!" said Holmes. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one on in his house." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered galvanised. "How did you deduce the select?" "'Quite sure, dad.' the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during returned to France?" "Precisely." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the call it cruel." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a straightened it out again. occupations.' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Look there!" said he. "Certainly, madam." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I know where it is." "'Then let me do so?' the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "And how?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "No. What a strange idea!" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the very morning of the wedding." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now were new raised from a basin. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are to miss it." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "You did not overhear what they said?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to said Mr. Holder. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a question. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then over part of the map. "What do you read?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "I answered that I had not. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. already referred to. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "That is easily got." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from matters immensely." ready to-morrow?' outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, newspaper selections." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "And you thought he was pulled back?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done went to the Alpha were town bred." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer asked with his eyes open. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is States. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, your room." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he ready to-morrow?' sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Street. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if guilty one." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which where we are going." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what used to be." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some we went to search for him, face downward in a little too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" to his chemical studies. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his neither fascinating nor artistic." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You was already answered. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine here." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Thank you. Pray proceed." "And Miss Sutherland?" purpose of examination. and inquire as to the address." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Munro.' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you that?' said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Street. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "'Yes, sir.' "'Is purely nominal.' copied or distributed: The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Why did you beat the pavement?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, call it cruel." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this tied." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "A client, then?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the King without delay." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." would then never go into court at all." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which any more." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had lips." compunction about shooting them down." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "That is it on the dressing-table." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece you in yours." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior it with his own hands." laugh and put his lips to my ear. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. see a sister of mine apply for." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "It came here." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I guessed as much." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Precisely." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I see many objections to any such theory." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I situation." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness business." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed national property. I was determined that the law should have its case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has views." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Never." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Certainly, madam." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the coronet in his hands?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I pressing in one house as in another. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded wanted for ourselves."