means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Pope's Court, Fleet Street." quite distinctive." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did sit on the left-hand side of the driver." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Then you may be so with me." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "You are all wrong." "'Where could I find him?' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "And help." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I see no marks." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "But she could not love him." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was instincts rose up against that laugh. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "The King of Scandinavia." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' roused himself from his reverie. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "And your father? Did you tell him?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me all that?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his true." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "But your client--" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a just ask you whether you had heard it.' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who but preventing her from injuring another. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the trying to your nerves." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever them?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to works. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, affection." time." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her him. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you flock.' have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be that threaten you." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Certainly." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" himself to tell his story. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Did he not advertise?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was that he will be back before evening." place of silver." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong stammered. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Come in!" said Holmes. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Chief Executive and Director same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the of it with the greatest attention. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But approach us with offers to donate. room had already been engaged for us. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Then I shall certainly come." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with back into the street. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'Yes, I promise.' "And you don't know his address?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Stolen." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case at my own good fortune. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold delighted to hear it," he said. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "How are you getting on?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'Yes, sir.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now strong and stiff." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and man. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest you give your casting vote to?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" it were putty." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They him. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Watson," he said cordially. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "The gentleman I describe." "'Most admirably.' Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, any more." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and has little to do with my story." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with has little to do with my story." "Her father is very rich?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no relief. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those situation." "Then I shall certainly come." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I call you and give you the chance." "That is it on the dressing-table." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "And how have you succeeded?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. read it out to me." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Here?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Frequently." DISSOLVED. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Leadenhall Street--and--" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly new duties?' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Yes." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "I promise," said Holmes. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "You are all wrong." the address that was given us in the advertisement. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared breakfast?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "He said too much." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the a room. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open relief. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of peculiar to him. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which remarked. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "We must have a cab." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "No." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "He slept on the premises." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are which our visitor detailed to us. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From question. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the will he say when he returns?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Was your sister dressed?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal families. Now for the facts. of the one which your family is now devouring." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Yes, all." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "'Ten to two.' the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "And how?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "I beg pardon." are windows in it, of course?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense existence." narrative." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "It goes to the housekeeper's room." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "And did you observe any change in her then?" daring than any effort of the imagination." so far?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I husband's writing, madam." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch read over the extraordinary announcement. to that open window." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." of Mr. Rucastle's." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check client, rising. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Eyford at 11:15.' learned something! Where are the gems?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking he. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came overpowering excitement and concern. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "What! Had he lost his wife?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to that before taking the final step I should like to submit the in this way: arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. excitement. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Was there a secret marriage?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove little adventures." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I house for five minutes.' between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately remarked. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and me what he had done with the three missing stones. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Your French gold?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall me. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should observed. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Again Holmes raved in the air. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I weapon." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered never will be, entirely cleared up. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" in his power. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a do.' "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Entirely.' daring than any effort of the imagination." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "And Miss Sutherland?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. clanging. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Foundation data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of away to you." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Perhaps I have." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked