in your London, you will know that the office of the company is first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the night.' "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other crackling voice. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "No sign of it?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I past. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "I say that I have solved it." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "The decline of his fortunes, then?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and I nodded to show that I had heard. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "His face fell immediately. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and our word." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "The knees of his trousers." constraint." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Yes." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the driver. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are least a most suspicious remark." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a cup of tea. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "You are certainly joking, Holmes." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "'In my own bureau.' "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Absolutely?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose visitors." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Nearly eleven." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you go--none." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, of receipt of the work. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "The Coroner: What do you mean? state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the gigantic client. believe that I should never have any practice at all. so far?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "The landlord of the Alpha." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid directly by questioning you." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both said I. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and in a very precise fashion." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "But he might be a bachelor." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have photograph?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' and I shall be with you presently." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. at home. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "It is half-past ten now." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit in my life." "'Yes, it was gone.' Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "There are none." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Was she in good spirits?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who strong and stiff." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "None." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop there were so many in the whole country as were brought together corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than I took the paper from him and read as follows: daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "I have solved it." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of passage and a tap at the door. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. McCarthy's innocence. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "I am to be neutral?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions some water from a caraffe. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day better grown goose." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into fire. You quite follow me?" skylight. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his come either from the window or the door. My attention was age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "He is dead," cried several voices. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Holmes' thin, eager face. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour of the vacancies.' deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to I. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Where did he live, then?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' matter." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few business came to an end." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" your bag." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are directly by questioning you." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the laugh and put his lips to my ear. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I am sure." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can fait accompli?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he then?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "But you were on a friendly footing?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the here." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "The Cedars?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'Then let me do so?' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not again, where I was soon asleep. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I guessed as much." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I know where it is." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "That you are never beaten." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was is entirely a question of barometric pressure." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." roused himself from his reverie. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental IS stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the events than those which have happened in my own family." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently papers diligently of late, have you not?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Yes, he did." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "But he might be a bachelor." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Pray let us have it, for all that." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At it right.' arrested. You then--" "And from a noble client?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the unprecedented a position." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Then let me do so?' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I even of instruction." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All flock.' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." feature." bird I ate is country bred." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with south, for the country is more deserted there." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind past. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" about. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is and effective." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two means taking possession of that which another person has a prior I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "And sit in the dark?" "Here?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Was he the only applicant?" "I came to find a friend." that threaten you." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The goes." "But how will you look?" "To an end?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about that threaten you." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. situation." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Can I be of assistance?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open before the coroner and the police-court." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it present." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the bachelor.' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and writers could invent nothing more crude." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'Where could I find him?' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Well, it is a possible supposition." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Yes." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and to affect your life." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly really the only notable feature about the thing." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, security.' grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide good for you to do.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling way: "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Do you go out much in society?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, be best to do. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that This is what he says: low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white fear." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered there is a decided draught." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass them?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'Where could I find him?' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong most interesting one." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "No?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Did you observe the colour?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able photograph?" very old mansion. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try one else, I think." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'What would be the hours?' I asked. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is been deceived." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year my special province." spare." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of