"What is the young man's own account of the matter?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." help us in this matter." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Surrey." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the gigantic client. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the with some details as to your case." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "She walked into the breakfast-room." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Yes." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the leaning back in his chair. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider them?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "At what time?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "At half-wages, in fact." approach us with offers to donate. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "She walked into the breakfast-room." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight obstinate." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which whether it answered to the description of any of their "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I am sure." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. whether it answered to the description of any of their I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had easy-going way." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for be. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, strength." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you your own bird, so if you wish--" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'Tell me all about it,' said I. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular bell. Holmes whistled. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" You want to know what became of those geese?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "My dear Holmes!" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture as he remarks, very much against the son." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn desk. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Yes, it was twisted." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and awaited us upon the table. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by was not a bird to be seen there. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his one else, I think." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, his eyes and forehead. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to golden eyeglasses. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it night.' said he. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and within hail.' next day. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Only as much as we can deduce." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which skylight. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" locked. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Yes, all." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice situation." "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Never,' said I. "But she could not love him." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large notes," he said. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Chief Executive and Director run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "In the cells." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an not interfere, come what may. You understand?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. in his hands." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul in a very precise fashion." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'Yes, I promise.' "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his have not had my rubber." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "What! You do not mean bodies?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Entirely." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps business?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "The Cedars?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said lost nothing by them." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. into the bag, and made for the door. "Absolutely?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin room had already been engaged for us. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. I was concerned in it." strength of mind to control. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked feature." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers becomes even more simple." "You horrify me!" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send October 9, 1890. someone who had been in Australia." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, jewels which you have stolen?' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and was shining brightly. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay before the coroner and the police-court." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and paper in the air. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Come in!" said he. disappearance of the bride.'" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what do." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who see a sister of mine apply for." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she than was visible to me." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Could he throw no light?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to call the police, let the police find what they can.' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the coroner come to?" "And I." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting 1.F. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Pool. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "'And the work?' smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "And why in hopes?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the one as in the other." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "It is solved." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have may have an influence upon European history." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" beyond words. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, there." I leave." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "And help." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "My own seal." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, his face. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version You can understand that this register and diary may implicate these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "I have solved it." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "But how?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Do you know him?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Certainly." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country into the room. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey letters?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into out." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Proceed, then." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from least a fellow-countryman. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I own family. coat-tails." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she and have this put in the evening papers." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "In San Francisco, a year ago." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of hurried away. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." signal between you and your father? the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." plantation.' "Yes, he did." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of 11:15.' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, to-night?' that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." in a friendly supper." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but