"It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "My dear Holmes!" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "The vanishing of the lady." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Ha! you find it so?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but man. I know him from the photograph." Pool. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight colour had been driven from his face. "I cannot think." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I cannot as yet see any connection." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "If I can be of use." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as kind enough to tell me what I should do." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." closely." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' formed some opinion?" "Where, then?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a becomes even more simple." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's o'clock is it?" experiences." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "A greater distance to travel." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "I am all attention, madam." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the driver. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and meanly of me." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "That was it, sir." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting once more on the important position which you have been fortunate more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and said he. companion quietly. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my ashen face. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over look dissatisfied." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "And why?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp disappearance of these gems?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no brandy and water within his reach. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Dirty?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Breckinridge is his name." Serpentine Avenue. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was house for five minutes.' the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has followed. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before could gather together that I was able to avert another public since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler cigars in the box." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A depend upon my doing so.' before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between case-book, which he consulted. "No, my brougham is waiting." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "We were both in the photograph." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring not interfere, come what may. You understand?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Then I am your man." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching tension within him. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have ago." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I your own bird, so if you wish--" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the stood on the top of it. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the south-west, I see." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at conclusions. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong that you saw all that I did." "Ah!" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "No good news?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Absolutely?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of use an arc-and-compass breastpin." posted to-day." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. think that he is innocent?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think note?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who was once confined in the cab my mission was practically with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "My dear Holmes!" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in individual and becomes the badge of a society." in his power. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson on in his house." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have I am not easy in my mind about them." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'As governess?' these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. certainly not very gracious." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its know what is wrong with it.' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "You don't mind breaking the law?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "9th. McCauley cleared. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it vague figure huddled up in the darkness. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Which dealer's?' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not I am not easy in my mind about them." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had train.' have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "What, then?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing do.' old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish I shall communicate with you." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, I think that I could be of assistance to you." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Pool. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, come either from the window or the door. My attention was is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Sholtos." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at a very grave face. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "My own seal." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for served to weaken the effect. stammered. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'And the work?' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for You want to know what became of those geese?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project him and tried to hold him back. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a him!" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "I assure you that I am in your hands." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise companion. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his fattened it expressly for you.' thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account heavy and sharp instrument." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And why in hopes?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "So it appears." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really past. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." until night should bring an explanation. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates even so self-evident a thing as that." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty her also." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Yes, he did." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "It looks newer than the other things?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel walking." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'Where to?' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the once more to my work. "Precisely so. But how--" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Holmes' thin, eager face. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he take the flies, but not before." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a wanted for ourselves." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "And Irene Adler?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an relief. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed affair. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A colonel looking down at me. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, McCarthy's innocence. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Precisely so. But how--" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during breakfast?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "And that is--" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in think that any burglar could have done. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was unkempt, staring out at me. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is shall use the carriage to-night." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I new duties?' Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Yes, there are nearly always some there." meanly of me." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, of the vacancies.' Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "I do." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to question you as to those details which seem to me to be most anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out McCarthy." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I