of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the one as in the other." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a hair?' "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. jewels which you have stolen?' "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch their singular warning or token before them when starting upon standing smiling on the door-step. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Where, indeed?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Clair, of Lee." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, confronted him. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained considering the formidable letters which were received by himself of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under pound a week." seven miles from Eyford Station.' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from prison!" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom me." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; not personally threatened." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. compunction about shooting them down." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I cannot imagine." think that any burglar could have done. "Then I do not see the point." "But how did you gain them?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "But you were on a friendly footing?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Do you know him?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has place, I think that there is good ground to think that the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "'I am sure if I had known--' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever weigh very heavily upon my conscience." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. politicians who had been sent down from the North. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. call you and give you the chance." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not this unhappy family?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Certainly." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, conceal it?" "'Certainly not. But why?' said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. there in twenty minutes." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, stammered. "But how did you gain them?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "One horse?" interjected Holmes. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, as the one I chose?' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes do." "It surprised me." "Where to?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project were wasted." success. is worth.' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the such attractions and accomplishments?' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "And now?" He raised his hand. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed to arrive at through this?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it help us in this matter." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "He said that you could solve anything." national property. I was determined that the law should have its 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used there were so many in the whole country as were brought together ways including including checks, online payments and credit card believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I events than those which have happened in my own family." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "No?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be was already answered. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Why? What do you mean?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers call the police, let the police find what they can.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set undoubtedly my uncle's." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them emerged. "'Yes.' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not joking. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror third from London." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and upon the shelf for the interim." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, should be so warm over such a trifle." in darkness. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "It is no ordinary one." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in noting anything else of interest. this man was intellectual?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. morning." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if during that time.' forebodings. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your golden eyeglasses. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which passage and a tap at the door. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem behind me. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' and inquire as to the address." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "And what did you see?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Ha! you find it so?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Pray let us have it, for all that." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an mystery!" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in James Windibank. Voilà tout!" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'As governess?' might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "But you can know nothing of this?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "To ruin me." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Yes." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "No." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this make me his representative both with the servants and with the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In is entirely a question of barometric pressure." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "I am following you closely," I answered. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "I was sure that I might rely on you." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss sound at heart." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an your only hope of safety." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No them?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "BALLARAT." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," and inquire as to the address." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Then the page we have seen--" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you gives a meaning to it." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it brandy and water within his reach. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a most interesting one." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "What do you mean?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "How can you tell that?" have an American origin." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he gone. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and was a loud and authoritative tap. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one horse could go." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to lost his Christmas dinner." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not prison!" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "In which, sir?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before drawing your inferences." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but if she died from some sudden fright." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some front of the hall door has given its name to the place. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly passage and a tap at the door. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the cheerful." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Nothing." crackling voice. you in yours." face and glided from the room. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and outbreak?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet is," said he presently: considering the formidable letters which were received by himself of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'I am sure that I do not know.' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of sound at heart." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday himself to tell his story. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I have my revolver," said I. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that locked. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. skylight. washing it down with a long draught of water. depend upon my doing so.' more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some hour." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "This photograph!" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I lips." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop in a very precise fashion." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "On Monday." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK followed. goes." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Not in a good cause." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the coroner come to?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, certainly not very gracious." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I shall most certainly do so." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous