Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed habit of advancing money.' spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "How can you tell that?" Sutherland?" "What?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a of his shoulders. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Your French gold?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, his eyes and forehead. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "And what did you see?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Eh? What was that?" furiously. call you and give you the chance." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel touch that coronet?' "No." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate row." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a tell them apart.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "I cannot imagine." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the very morning of the wedding." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "And did you observe any change in her then?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon only touch the interest." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." room. "My dear Holmes!" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out bed dies. Does not that strike you?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other acquaintance?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to bird of prey. reach." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One against a man in the prime of life?" "Upon what point?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I was mad--insane." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her was shining brightly. and glanced through. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a in his hands." floor. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." important." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried relief. should be taken.' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had kind enough to tell me what I should do." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were of fine shops and stately business premises that they really come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and lumber-room." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this shoulder; "he's all right." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Doctor, of the paper and the date." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." to-night?' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "And it is--" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no 1.E.9. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the very letters. But what is this written above them?' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it shall use the carriage to-night." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of be.' "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'Yes.' Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "An enemy?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Not social, then?" will not take me long to tell. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "It was an hour's good drive." "What is it, then--a fire?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good where Mr. Fordham shows you.' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Stoke Moran?" said he. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "None." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian annoyance, but no jest. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. have established a very serious case against the son of the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." conceal it?" your own bird, so if you wish--" "And help." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Not him." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "'Never,' said I. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Yes, I have one waiting." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at shall use the carriage to-night." "That also I could fathom." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out returned to France?" to-night?' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you this man was intellectual?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." jewels which you have stolen?' "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he been deceived." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in room?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the one as in the other." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at present." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I am following you closely," I answered. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. His name is Francis Prosper." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to I think that I could be of assistance to you." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a spare." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "There is the writing." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster wife's character?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I information in his hands the value of which he did not himself been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' case before our client came into the room." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in outside. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we pressing in one house as in another. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. yourselves in at night?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the child." himself. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some done what I asked you, Jones?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could your most interesting statement." "Who by?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Were they all fastened this morning?" the driver. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He indeed which he could not unravel. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the been shamefully used." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling place no limit on the sum I may draw." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell strong reason behind." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "And who is her maid?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook to-morrow." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official signal between you and your father? and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A side. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, events than those which have happened in my own family." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the them present such singular features as the strange train of laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a upon the sideboard." "But she could not love him." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far tightly behind him. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." a suggestive one." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** again before evening." status with the IRS. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all good for you to do.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Nothing." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day helping a boy to put up the shutters. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his to tell." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. for its centre. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another was it brought him the coronet? head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or late!' learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "You will not go there first?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite copied or distributed: observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to