who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and shall probably return to London by the evening train." guilty parties." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate past. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the new duties?' there has been an enclosure here!" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Yesterday." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Where is it, then?" "And when will you call?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I pictures, libraries, or plate. furiously. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both bedroom door." him to be an active member of the medical profession." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Where, then?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Have you good authority for what you say?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "You are hungry," I remarked. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing father's young wife. invisible to me," I remarked. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Game for a morning drive?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss hardly wander." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Always." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative said I. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about emerged. is a common subject for conversation. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Then the page we have seen--" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Have you good authority for what you say?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just always that they were such commands as a lady might with "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a closing the door. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Texas, I think." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were to go into your room and bar your shutters?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I see no marks." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it very peculiar words of the dying woman?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "He slept on the premises." "Was the window open?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring plantation.' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "The doctor?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was companion. village inn over there?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to him. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Not in a good cause." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it him, that man would not have given me such complete information many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips this remarkable episode. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I salesman. "9th. McCauley cleared. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in written. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is have an American origin." "There is the writing." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from what do you think they found in the pockets?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Yes." the little opening for the ventilator is." imbecility!" he cried. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a think that any burglar could have done. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found where Mr. Fordham shows you.' company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Gutenberg-tm License. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "In San Francisco, a year ago." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. were unconscious?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "The Cedars?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Eyford." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and main points of my analysis." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, a good hundred miles off by now." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "What do you mean?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was his grey eyes. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "But how could you guess what the motive was?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "That sounds a little paradoxical." to arrive at through this?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "They are typewritten," I remarked. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks will be renamed. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "What office?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a I. "Yes." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock developed." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Pray be precise as to details," said he. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience into the room. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "To an English lawyer named Norton." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he strength." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind should be taken.' the morning and make my own way in the world.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. go from here to the Strand." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "I don't say that. Perhaps." as he folded up the epistle. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Now, then, what's the last entry?" acquaintance?" was feeling which was the fattest.' no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "How often?" Mary, has deserted me." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a for its centre. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty writing, and yet I know it well." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to power." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in way: along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in get her out of the way." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I became a certainty. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just neither fascinating nor artistic." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind some city in a dream. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet mystery." forehead. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds writer." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Tired-looking or fresh?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a to a more successful conclusion." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Ten will be early enough." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "And now?" He raised his hand. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in you do it in twenty minutes!' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to exactly what you advise." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my I have it here in my museum." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he three of the beryls in it, was missing. forebodings. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a for its centre. success. "A client, then?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the your equipment. "This photograph!" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie was feeling which was the fattest.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have taking in every detail of the apartment. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and looking up at the numbers of the houses." room?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Nothing." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "You are hungry," I remarked. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and I shall be with you presently." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door these bleak autumnal evenings." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the notes," he said. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of address. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic to tackle the facts." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Won't it ring?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'Not at all. I only doubt--' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and footfalls from the street. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, married her." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Then I am your man." go back?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. stalked out of the room. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address furiously. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the Assizes." a room. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Was your sister dressed?" one which it was hard to resist. which we had just quitted. the ceiling. he bowed and left the room without another word. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "There is the writing." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "What! a murderous attack?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. became a certainty. "What shall I do?" following enigmatical notices: among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "'What then?' I asked. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, system of imprisonment?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary bell. Holmes whistled. "But not more so than I to find you." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" direction." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Young McCarthy must be got off, however." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "No." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the