one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; bore every mark of being an average commonplace British dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "My dear Holmes!" have an American origin." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while secret." a good hundred miles off by now." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Were they all fastened this morning?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and not as remarkable as your advertisement." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds she might be summoned. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "He disappeared so suddenly." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "But the mystery?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 help us in this matter." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "None." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. like that before?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in call you and give you the chance." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," married her." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "You have a clue?" and inquire as to the address." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, for securing the situation." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I have hopes." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. but preventing her from injuring another. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while placed his cuttings. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the weapon." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "That is not always so easy." "I have hopes." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of out of this horrible affair." one's self under obligations.' "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I to you." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Entirely." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then shadow pass over his face as I spoke. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it an introduction to him?" "The best possible." face and glided from the room. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I bearing upon the case." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "I don't believe it." fashion which was peculiar to him. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was will be renamed. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "So I heard. You have him here?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan weighed down with some great anxiety. certainly do as you advise." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his be best to do. to his chemical studies. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the coroner come to?" generous with you in money matters.' We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly were new raised from a basin. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United at home. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." you in your example." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the what these perils are?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I was sure that I might rely on you." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "No." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "But how?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and in the hope of finding them." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the approach us with offers to donate. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, investigation." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. digesting their breakfasts at home." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Yes, it was twisted." had formerly been in part my own. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, His smile broadened. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I was mad--insane." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a fashion which was peculiar to him. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." My friend smiled. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Watson," he said cordially. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the prepare for the new role I have to play." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with together. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it golden eyeglasses. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by burst out into a roar of laughter. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "We were both in the photograph." careless servant girl?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything absorbing." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is a good hundred miles off by now." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I will do it." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I cannot think." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter placed his cuttings. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "You were travelling in the States?" to have been novel and of interest." were new raised from a basin. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a depend upon my doing so.' fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "There are none." "Seven!" I answered. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and waste of energy." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "We were both in the photograph." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "'Tell me all about it,' said I. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "I cannot say that I have." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Indeed! Whose, then?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out south, for the country is more deserted there." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a thin legs towards the fire. you." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "But your client--" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my morning." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "A confidential servant?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her affair. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't said he. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found me. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Stolen." introspective fashion. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to see a sister of mine apply for." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his now. It seems that there had been some informality about their strong reason behind." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Where is it, then?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "What shall I do?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a outbreak?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. not as remarkable as your advertisement." careless servant girl?" "She will not sell." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away any more." "But how did you gain them?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my one of the states of the Union." entirely lost his self-respect." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended public press." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards awkward doing business with an alias." dead, shall be safe with us." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the late!' agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which something of him before." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "But not more so than I to find you." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander there was no need for father to know." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Did your wife hear all this?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary seven miles from Eyford Station.' intrusion of other matters." "One of his hands." "'Entirely.' in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. do." detained." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this jewels which you have stolen?' that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you for securing the situation." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a the child." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty himself in a perplexing position. The King stared at him in amazement. spare." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do than to us. the stones. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until neither fascinating nor artistic." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that room had already been engaged for us. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned secret." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "It missed him, then?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "This photograph!" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and put his glass in his pocket. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her awkward doing business with an alias." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five drove away. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the is a common subject for conversation. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant him, that man would not have given me such complete information "We were both in the photograph." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the derbies." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'And what are they worth?' I asked. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I was sure that I might rely on you." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity