rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything remarked. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Yes." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime it with his own hands." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and records." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Where is it, then?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true upon a handsome competence. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a his knees, staring into the fire. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen character. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a one of the states of the Union." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Bought." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "No, my brougham is waiting." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away leave you to your papers for a little." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "No, but the enclosure is." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we appointment with me for six o'clock?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, over part of the map. "What do you read?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in correct than the official force." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE silent! Oh, he will be silent!' so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known washing it down with a long draught of water. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "My photograph." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Never." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the fled together." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." which are rolled in Rotterdam." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at of it with the greatest attention. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To I approached. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all where we are going." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang to-night?' are, and they are waiting for us." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his heavy and sharp instrument." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation congenial hunt. friends, not even his own brother. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could late!' over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'Most admirably.' figure." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the not, dad?" she asked. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I cannot say that I have." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into your equipment. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his gone. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea own family. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Perfectly so." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs geese which you supplied to the Alpha." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Why serious?" despair." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security to surprise her." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to his eyes and forehead. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had and the church but not where the lady lived." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy to tell." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I saw her in conversation with her maid." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman compunction about shooting them down." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a do you make of it all?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "That is easily got." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, DAMAGE. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "What office?" "If so, much may have happened between." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'Stolen!' he cried. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a outsides of the windows. Lee, in the county of Kent." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried so far?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light taking in every detail of the apartment. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations seem to you to be relevant or not." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's respectable self." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in direction." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The ready to-morrow?' of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "And Irene Adler?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Certainly." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." noble correspondent could be. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." like that before?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Yes, sir." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Proceed, then." "Certainly." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, your co-operation." business came to an end." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A with some details as to your case." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'Yes, sir.' of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "But not more so than I to find you." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and bird of prey. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a his cane at the bell-pull. this remarkable episode. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without them, and came down just as you departed. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this you." "What I expected to see." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms arms and began to sob in a high treble key. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could that he will be back before evening." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her late!' other, as fresh and trim as possible. "How do you know, then?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, towards the blaze. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a said he at last. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Yes, sir." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had over with notes and figures. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. upon the shelf for the interim." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to your room." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. orange pips. shoulder. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE a very grave face. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "That is unusual in a young girl." I shall continue with my miserable story. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out nothing of it?" "You think that he is dead?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "And you thought he was pulled back?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "It surprised me." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it cost them two and thirty pounds." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year must be when I saw the door open.' About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally imbecility!" he cried. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' hour?' would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Yes." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the and the whole place is in a blaze." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, bedroom door." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Project Gutenberg-tm works. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, our word." the coronet in his hand?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly horse could go." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks footfalls from the street. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "'No, I know no one in these parts.' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I that you can jump it.' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and electronic works "And sit in the dark?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. asked. my secret was safe in his possession. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "And Irene Adler?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some opened a pocket-book and took out a note. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of detective. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "You were travelling in the States?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy because she had spent so short a time in this country that she docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed a good hundred miles off by now." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "It looks newer than the other things?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning.