weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "What have you done?" asked Holmes. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who about. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "What will you say?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly again." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it approach us with offers to donate. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the coronet in his hand?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every visitors." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord him nearly every evening." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "I will not look." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that spark where all is dark to me." late!' even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I cannot tell." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I beg pardon." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a you understand?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "None." "'I am sure if I had known--' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "'What, the red-headed man?' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "By no means." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." corner of the building. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "What is it, then--a fire?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save following enigmatical notices: out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's records." towards the blaze. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings your sleep?' was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk one which it was hard to resist. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the man. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the inner apartment." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have touch that coronet?' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of opportunities to fix the problem. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper hour?' the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up mystery!" "It is very clear." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Where, then, is my wife?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Did your wife hear all this?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "How about poison?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Precisely so. But how--" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. over with notes and figures. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "At half-wages, in fact." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual at a side door. most interesting one." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very go from here to the Strand." McCarthy's innocence. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, residence of the great financier. events, Mr. Windibank!" situation." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's cost them two and thirty pounds." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for envelope. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "But he might be a bachelor." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to maid will bring up your coffee." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium tell me that you intended to go into harness." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon floor. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a I. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Yes, that is the Crown." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in annoyance, but no jest. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one The events in question occurred in the early days of my very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Not yet." "On Monday." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Yes." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the it." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom it. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "It is his hat." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the detective. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the running down." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one peculiar to him. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should official police." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep bird I ate is country bred." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is fashion which was peculiar to him. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. 1.F. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. drawing your inferences." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name on re-entering her father's house?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had tension within him. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set flock.' morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black again before evening." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Yes." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "You are all wrong." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the business matters.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the manager. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "And your mother is alive?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes, I have one waiting." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "What will you say?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my a monotonous occupation." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "What! Had he lost his wife?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "I do." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Is he quiet?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "And it is--" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." became a certainty. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "What will you do, then?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide had picked up in the wood. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Tired-looking or fresh?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to happened." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a sound at heart." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He closely." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a crime." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some tapping his fingers upon the table. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming points in connection with it which never have been, and probably was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I cannot say that I have." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary place no limit on the sum I may draw." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and murdered man." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." them present such singular features as the strange train of focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? bachelor.' them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I must compliment you." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, never will be, entirely cleared up. me where it went to?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Yes, I have one waiting." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but It was close upon four before the door opened, and a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into to-night's adventure." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a back alive. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue a little more before I quite committed myself. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "It is possible." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings at a side door. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "And leave your case unfinished?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you business?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. until night should bring an explanation. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a written, and locked the door of the office after me. there has been an enclosure here!" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "That also I could fathom." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes 11:15.' awaited us upon the table. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "And why?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove instituted." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. said I. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a joking. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Nothing?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "But he might be a bachelor." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "You heard nothing yourself last night?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'Never.' face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but affection." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the said he at last. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "What then?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." you want, then?' while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is