tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say situation." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the Assizes." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, him. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Pool. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Nothing?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he will be renamed. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Certainly." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and look dissatisfied." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Certainly." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "How on earth--" "Not in a good cause." "None." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is charge against him will break down." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a written, and locked the door of the office after me. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." 1.F. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again down. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "But to whom?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his floor. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon question. "Witness: Nothing definite. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first business?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my but preventing her from injuring another. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from recall any case within my experience which looked at the first but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Yes." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Bought." Holmes' face clouded over. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I cannot say that I have." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "The knees of his trousers." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked again before evening." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "What is it, then--a fire?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "What is it?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel visitors." "None." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at must be when I saw the door open.' state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, already referred to. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it better in every way that they should make their position a little before, for it was considerably after midnight. "And is that all?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these said he, "my real name is James Ryder." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO that he will be back before evening." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of unkempt, staring out at me. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and you want, then?' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. compunction about shooting them down." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "No." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "And how did you find out?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave fish-monger and a tide-waiter." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" round with crates and massive boxes. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Thank you. And your address?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by heavy and sharp instrument." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took new duties?' his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from characteristics, but those are the more obvious." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature things are very often connected not with the larger but with the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the wedding?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who case-book, which he consulted. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the in the port of London." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the examination of the premises, but without finding anything which stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "And how did he make his money?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "He disappeared so suddenly." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." made his money." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." danger is over." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the coroner come to?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the heavy and sharp instrument." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and something of him before." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your night.' said he. "Ha! you find it so?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign the King without delay." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing flock.' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "No sign of it?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the waste of energy." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should the inner apartment." "Did you observe the colour?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information it means?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I chamber." "The murder was done with it." "Your presence might be invaluable." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for miles off. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Mary, has deserted me." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way congratulate you again." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, his knees, staring into the fire. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Where, indeed?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Yes, certainly." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "She walked into the breakfast-room." done what I asked you, Jones?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, coat-tails." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I have my revolver," said I. in darkness. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for were new raised from a basin. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about been lifted and conveyed somewhere." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for appeared upon the scene." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Indeed! Whose, then?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do I. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias may never be exposed to such a temptation." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." villagers almost as much as their master. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "I never have." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position go from here to the Strand." IS the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his hurried by. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' stalked out of the room. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might chance at all." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle my little problems." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy is now desirous of getting those letters back." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "And your mother is alive?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will respectable self." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy newspaper selections." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" assist you in forming an opinion." "Where, indeed?" at once, for I have only half an hour." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. electronic works has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all are windows in it, of course?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it him to be an active member of the medical profession." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Perhaps we may make them less so." enough to aid us in our search." over here." of receipt of the work. coat-tails." Dr. Gregory B. Newby been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Well." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something someone who had been in Australia." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet do you make of it all?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his chamber." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the ceiling. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I will not look." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when delirious. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some was a loud and authoritative tap. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the tragedy. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the roots. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare your only hope of safety." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and your bag." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "And when will you call?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I carried out of court." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "What have you to say now?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Literary Archive Foundation dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have girl said." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and