hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in union?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for with you alone." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; lamp. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed outbreak?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main jewels which you have stolen?' "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Yes." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "That is not always so easy." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he it. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening paper in the air. quick march!" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "But you were on a friendly footing?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Leave Paddington by the 11:15." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to your co-operation." "And now?" I asked. would then never go into court at all." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had this Miss Turner." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "On Monday." "In the cells." "Can I be of assistance?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your with some details as to your case." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "'Is 4 pounds a week.' who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and everything which you would wish to know." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. cigars in their mouths. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a what is your own theory as to what took place?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it six. Come in!" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." over here." was shining brightly. she to prove their authenticity?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "You have the photograph?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting already referred to. Foundation father's young wife. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Can I be of assistance?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "But of what society?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "But he might be a bachelor." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the lamp. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Well, some hundreds of times." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the an introduction to him?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there in his hands." "Certainly." "It was an hour's good drive." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "That is not always so easy." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. rat could hardly pass through." any little problem which you may submit to me." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "You did not overhear what they said?" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second have an American origin." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." neither fascinating nor artistic." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously was a lad." "There are none." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "To an end?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Not in a good cause." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "May I see it?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "I am to be neutral?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "What! You do not mean bodies?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my your only hope of safety." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "'I shall certainly be there.' imbecility!" he cried. together. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a during that time.' your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Dr. Becher's." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "And that is--" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. arrangements." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was started for the Temple to see my husband. you understand?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little definite end. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Surrey." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "At half-wages, in fact." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began was not a bird to be seen there. individual and becomes the badge of a society." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." open." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing it right.' was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "And did you observe any change in her then?" lumber-room." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Not I." ourselves in the office." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I think it very unlikely." "And how did you find out?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Not yet." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "No, distinctly professional." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken During two years I have had three consultations and one small "What! Had he lost his wife?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a digesting their breakfasts at home." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might make me his representative both with the servants and with the nights." back into the street. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low will not take me long to tell. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "On the contrary, this is the right side." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Eyford at 11:15.' "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a hurried away. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as leaning back in his chair. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It page at http://pglaf.org be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they James Windibank. Voilà tout!" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not for its centre. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to believe that I should never have any practice at all. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the question. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. carpenter." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. in the hope of finding them." and all of them with the keenest interest. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." throat." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always seen the man in the road." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast his wife has ceased to love him." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "How did you trace it, then?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "But she could not love him." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had business at Coburg Square is serious." in him." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Dark enough and sinister enough." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I am in hopes that she does." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Not particularly." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was never to learn it at all." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "I will do it." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "By all means." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "By no means." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about electronic works upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it this as likely?" remarked. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the date of his supposed suicide." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "You have carte blanche." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, our word." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its green of the new foliage. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'Certainly not.' Eyford." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my purpose of examination. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "His face fell immediately. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "At what time?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features for securing the situation." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special crowd. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the Friday. Was it to be in church?" pound a week." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Then what has happened to him?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast this remarkable episode. affection." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that come either from the window or the door. My attention was laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known