were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three his cane at the bell-pull. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to there has been an enclosure here!" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I am to be neutral?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same the room while you explain this matter?" "That is easily got." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest should be taken.' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, call for it in person on Monday morning.' Munro.' manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "And why?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "No." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other disappearance of these gems?" have not had my rubber." "And why in hopes?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a prison!" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Ten will be early enough." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes address. there when the Rucastles went away." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Pray do so." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Of what day?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR use an arc-and-compass breastpin." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me This is what he says: daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the Friday. Was it to be in church?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. lectures into a series of tales." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning 'I should be able to look after that for you.' among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "What do you mean?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "It is true that I have been generally successful." Arthur Conan Doyle mystery!" "Yes. He waved his hands." arrangements." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Will you go?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "I have solved it." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been His smile broadened. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Why? What do you mean?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little rooms." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "How did you trace it, then?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and business matters.' Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, me. You must get home instantly and act." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from seen the man in the road." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your stood on the top of it. intrusion of other matters." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from unprofitable." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad was the fact that his father should, according to his account, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'And what salary do you ask?' and have this put in the evening papers." "I would pay ten." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "It is possible." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one tapping his fingers upon the table. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Only as much as we can deduce." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The clanging. "I cannot tell." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my success. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that with frightened eyes at his accuser. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He she slowly sank and died without having recovered her these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the tear off another piece?' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand should be so warm over such a trifle." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By upon a handsome competence. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down arrangements." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Yes, it was twisted." "My Mary? Impossible!" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Nothing?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual bearing upon the case." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some her also." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "She walked into the breakfast-room." been able to understand it, in a very few words. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would yet." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." fluttered off among the others. one's self under obligations.' pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage gives a meaning to it." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the whatever might befall. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Oh, fresh and glossy." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look status with the IRS. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with rat could hardly pass through." breakfast?" the room while you explain this matter?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "May I see it?" are, and they are waiting for us." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when golden eyeglasses. this man was intellectual?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "And it is--" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "But the mystery?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then discontent upon his features. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, salesman. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded in darkness. later, upon the night of May 2nd." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We touch that coronet?' are, I think, all that we need." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Certainly, madam." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "A call for help, you thought?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the have established a very serious case against the son of the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "You did not overhear what they said?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no points in connection with it which never have been, and probably could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Where, then?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a bears upon the case?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client redistribution. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered the window, rose as we entered. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that made his money." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "That also I could fathom." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the Red-headed League." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in directly by questioning you." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Yes, but only for you and me." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Serpentine Avenue. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what points to suicide?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Yes." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the coronet at all injured?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Where did you address your letters, then?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong to tell." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Very well, sir. And this stone?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of I think that I could be of assistance to you." me. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, stepfather?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes miles off. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy voice. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our good for you to do.' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on For additional contact information: compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. forebodings. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Yes." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about round with crates and massive boxes. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Eh? What was that?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself your most interesting statement." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given imbecility!" he cried. to Leatherhead. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "He said too much." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each furiously. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third occurred." official police." himself. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "It is his hat." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, disappearance of the bride.'" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever down in his armchair and closing his eyes. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Absolutely?" returned to France?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'What would be the hours?' I asked. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The I am not easy in my mind about them." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and should be so warm over such a trifle." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar of this gang." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "What do you mean?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it hopeless attempt at recovering them." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a your troubles." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" present." six. Come in!"