in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master ways of our fellow-men." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your presented more singular features than that which was associated "I will get her to show me." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "And Miss Sutherland?" fashion which was peculiar to him. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "The Coroner: What do you mean? it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "And you can do nothing until then?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. you for a few hours?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would which we had just quitted. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I warn you that they are very incomplete." detained." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious him to be an active member of the medical profession." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Miss Holder?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had remarked. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two carriage. It was a chestnut." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'Oh, no.' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Gutenberg-tm License. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "It was a confession," I ejaculated. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such voice, changing her seat as requested. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "That also I could fathom." the King without delay." into the room. back into the street. in this note: off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he woman." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Pray be precise as to details," said he. was already answered. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is I was concerned in it." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to as noiselessly as she had come. detective. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Could he throw no light?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any coroner's jury." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so how narrow had been my escape. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "'And the work?' Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a nothing with him." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Stolen, then." what do you think they found in the pockets?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. province." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to cup of tea. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and yards of it?' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to unprofitable." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "That you are never beaten." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, again before evening." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a is a common subject for conversation. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the devil!" unclasping of his long thin hands. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "We were both in the photograph." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "About a month then." "What! a murderous attack?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "I fear not." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder to miss it." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I returned to France?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and distinguish the words: pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Oh, yes, easily." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the salesman. may have an influence upon European history." are, I think, all that we need." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a into the room. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch her also." and your relations to her." was feeling which was the fattest.' "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands breakfast." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door said I. whether it answered to the description of any of their forbidden door. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any could not account in any way for the presence of the missing its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon may have an influence upon European history." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "That is also quite modern," said the lady. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The he bowed and left the room without another word. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "But you can know nothing of this?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found at my own good fortune. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. own family. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and all of them with the keenest interest. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "It is no ordinary one." prisoner's face. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled gone before you can get him to hospital." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain III. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had to where he stood hid behind the curtain. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "'I have heard so.' "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Yes." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the tragedy. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Have you good authority for what you say?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I have hopes." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where front of the hall door has given its name to the place. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: not personally threatened." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "But his left-handedness." "Yes, but only for you and me." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." very old mansion. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. did not hear it also.' words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen invisible to me," I remarked. article?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "My private note-paper." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Tired-looking or fresh?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me shoulder. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining at my remark. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow more solid." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and feature." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave fattened it expressly for you.' "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a me what he had done with the three missing stones. "One of his hands." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Sholtos." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." think you a quite exceptional woman." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "I have come for advice." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "What will you do, then?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "And how did you verify them?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot not come at once?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Get out!" said he. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in of the efforts of the United States government and of the better deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be congratulate you again." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Imitated." whole matter to your consideration." during which he might have communicated with his friend the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "How often?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" started for the Temple to see my husband. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I promise," said Holmes. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Who by?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was man. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'Yes.' door?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "And what did you learn from him?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." looking up at the numbers of the houses." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in and all of them with the keenest interest. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to six. Come in!" strode off upon his way. "You have carte blanche." "And you can do nothing until then?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that would then never go into court at all." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical begun to whiten, even as mine has." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I gbnewby@pglaf.org right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well true." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "By no means." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the putting in the horse. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." once more. think that he is innocent?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" ventilator." chambers. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making directors have had misgivings upon the subject." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as compunction about shooting them down." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes chambers. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well