can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Bought." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "It's nothing of the kind." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it here." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have me have 200 pounds?' Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Then I shall certainly come." "Perfectly so." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see presume?" "Imitated." The summons was a brief and urgent one. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want ordinary clothes on?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken companion quietly. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It searched, without anything being found which could incriminate closely." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "There are none." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's 11:15.' before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the copied or distributed: "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "But how will you look?" are, and they are waiting for us." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That one or two very singular points about this room. For example, there!' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united would then never go into court at all." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after grasp, he hurried from the room. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless companion. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in already been minutely examined." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "No, distinctly professional." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "It looks newer than the other things?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. crime." entirely lost his self-respect." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the you do it in twenty minutes!' days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" signal between you and your father? "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Count Von Kramm." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable was shining brightly. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not your bag." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Nothing?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the acquaintance?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer village inn over there?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." and have this put in the evening papers." "What!" he roared. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, nonsense.' with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place giving me time to thank him. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'There is a drive, then?' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "By all means." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Stolen." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Oh, the cause is excellent!" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of despair." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began bed dies. Does not that strike you?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is our word." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was to a more successful conclusion." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed me. wedding?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible compunction about shooting them down." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his get her out of the way." "And the murderer?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "No more words. Get out!" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a upon the sideboard." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that empty. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Not in a good cause." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. face and glided from the room. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Edgeware Road. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Yesterday." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "But she could not love him." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection anything to a woman, for she would have her way." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of to-night." your troubles." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO train.' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was pity, because in other respects you would really have done very window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. instituted." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons good for you to do.' daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Your sister is dead, then?" "Never to return." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Game for a morning drive?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "And that is--" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself shadow pass over his face as I spoke. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Yes." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a in a friendly supper." forehead. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "And the murderer?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a conversation I have gathered that they have been married about weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "By all means." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, is acting for the best. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "That sounds a little paradoxical." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here hour." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic of fine shops and stately business premises that they really air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that kind enough to tell me what I should do." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." this poor creature." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his six. Come in!" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'What are you doing there?' he asked. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, heavy and sharp instrument." the inquest, and which are worth considering." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Sholtos." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered your Highness to the police-station?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business tell him that I know him to be innocent." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest that you wished to speak to me?' do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "What! Had he lost his wife?" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. yards of it?' that he will be back before evening." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" and no precautions can guard against." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was conduct the inquiry." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his all-comprehensive glances. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to walking." upon the white wrist. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the will take you up to see the machine.' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, his fortune, and I went back to pa. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to take the flies, but not before." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. enter into my head. should be so warm over such a trifle." "But we can't all be." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence helping a boy to put up the shutters. of Mr. Rucastle's." depend upon my doing so.' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" key turn in the lock." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "How on earth--" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage in one or two places in England?' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a have not had my rubber." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, chill to my heart. "Very truly yours, enter into my head. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. respectable self." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in case before our client came into the room." "Not particularly." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "And why?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and important." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Holmes. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Not him." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom But Holmes shook his head gravely. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Then how many are there?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and floor. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Yes." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "She showed me, as I told you she would." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Again Holmes raved in the air. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black cigars in their mouths. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the placed his cuttings. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, carriage. It was a chestnut." matter over." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the stepfather?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was me. You must get home instantly and act." better in every way that they should make their position a little "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my