listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "No bad?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." himself. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. room had already been engaged for us. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Your sister is dead, then?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Then what has happened to him?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "In the cells." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Do you know him?" one of the states of the Union." "Married! When?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then gone before you can get him to hospital." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Never." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "What! Had he lost his wife?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Well, it is a possible supposition." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "But to whom?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I am to be neutral?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do purpose of examination. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "The vanishing of the lady." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I don't believe it." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Was she in good spirits?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "No, distinctly professional." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a reach." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Your sister is dead, then?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Dr. Gregory B. Newby what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I think that it is very probable." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, unclasping of his long thin hands. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come went to the Alpha were town bred." to-night?' fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not one which it was hard to resist. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "In what way?" asked Holmes. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, weary and pale-looking. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon outside." I held the little printed slip to the light. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. views." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination side. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the voice, changing her seat as requested. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed indeed happy." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could it." tapping his fingers upon the table. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "It is his hat." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I have my revolver," said I. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Quite so. She has her freedom." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes, at the mines." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, distinguish the words: be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." individual and becomes the badge of a society." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "He said that you could solve anything." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "No bad?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his girl said." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Entirely." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "It must be recovered." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and which our visitor detailed to us. "And the cigar-holder?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great noble correspondent could be. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I think that I had better go, Holmes." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend breakfast?" 1.E.9. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done than was visible to me." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would there was no need for father to know." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included stood on the top of it. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he young Openshaw's." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." relief. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Yes." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very gone. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Yes, sir." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been purpose of examination. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover business?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right had picked up in the wood. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can present." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "What then?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "'And the work?' station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I don't believe it." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I at home. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "It came here." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the her also." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." leaning back in his chair. works. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Then you may be so with me." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it had no one to advise her at such a crisis." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "To the police?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Thank you. Pray proceed." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would to go into your room and bar your shutters?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "When did she vanish, then?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." mystery may be cleared along those lines." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the stable lane now." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Nothing." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the populous neighbourhood." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Holmes. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project use an arc-and-compass breastpin." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind have established a very serious case against the son of the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my where she found matters as described by the last witness. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a that?' entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "It missed him, then?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had you." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Who was the criminal, then?" very morning of my second wedding." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when hands. Eyford." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "That is easily got." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "What have you to say now?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," that you wished to speak to me?' The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the up this clue while it is still hot." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have not fit the lock." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," may have an influence upon European history." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took once more on the important position which you have been fortunate preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless some water from a caraffe. remarked. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he walking." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but stammered. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed him nearly every evening." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my showing my impatience. despair." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which out." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "How are you getting on?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the at home. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for to affect your life." all-comprehensive glances. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know is," said he presently: him to go away.' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they really the only notable feature about the thing." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after someone who had been in Australia." out." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much here and I will read it to you: Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "And Miss Sutherland?" wedding?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'I have heard so.' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Is he quiet?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! where Mr. Fordham shows you.' feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but best detective that ever lived. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy and looked back. "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental