I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Yes." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all have an American origin." people in all walks of life. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official fishes. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "I would pay ten." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous swore that no one else had been in the front room during the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily at my own good fortune. presented more singular features than that which was associated elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught o'clock is it?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. foot. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most answered with a sidelong glance. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, clanging. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." them?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'And the work?' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, murdered man." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "But your client--" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his been lifted and conveyed somewhere." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, criminal. We have already had experience of such." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending 'I should be able to look after that for you.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "I have a cab outside." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. that he will be back before evening." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my unclasping of his long thin hands. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. not within a twentieth part of the market price." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When point our research must commence, and we will begin it by assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "But his left-handedness." "In what way?" asked Holmes. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. how narrow had been my escape. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "You are all wrong." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some bare slabs of marble. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I that there was nothing in it, after all." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him lumber-room." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "My stepfather's business papers." "And how did you verify them?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "'What then?' I asked. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "If I can be of use." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "No, my brougham is waiting." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy morning." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in which we had just quitted. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Not him." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "My stepfather's business papers." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' seem to you to be relevant or not." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'You cannot say what it was?' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a better in every way that they should make their position a little more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on have got?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the driver. "Pray let us have it, for all that." prison!" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have highroad, where all traces were lost. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Ten to two.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I your troubles." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your chill to my heart. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "But I have heard all that you have heard." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is miles off. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Dr. Gregory B. Newby written, and locked the door of the office after me. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am tassel actually lying upon the pillow. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building shall not find me ungrateful." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally see me here to avoid scandal." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying IS Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "My dear Holmes!" chemical work which was so dear to him. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "No, my brougham is waiting." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I residence of the great financier. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless interested in these little problems, and since you are good "She showed me, as I told you she would." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "But who is he?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Quite so. She has her freedom." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and just called myself is not exactly my own." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "No good news?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both felt the room to be a little close.' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "But your client--" "And when will you call?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this swore that no one else had been in the front room during the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such morning." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "About a month then." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your singular points about the case. What did the police think of the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or felt?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came night.' said he. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said bill, which interests me deeply." "Your sister is dead, then?" "But your client--" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we formed some opinion?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I am about to be married." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' an introduction to him?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore system of imprisonment?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. night.' said he. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Where, then, is my wife?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a of campaign. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, without a word or a look. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "No. His orders were to stay in the house." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "It is very kind of you." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite key turn in the lock." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which voice. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in considering the formidable letters which were received by himself cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should conversation I have gathered that they have been married about routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Where, then, is my wife?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "No, finished." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased room?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the thin legs towards the fire. Holmes' room. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Perfectly so." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he indiscretion." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there room. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' were new raised from a basin. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously begun to whiten, even as mine has." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "From his hat?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building The King stared at him in amazement. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. bill, which interests me deeply." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "What shall I do?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that could not account in any way for the presence of the missing without success. At last the little money which I had saved began stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told third from London." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the running down." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I would give my fortune to have them back." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander writers could invent nothing more crude." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at wall." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the more terrible than the truth. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, I think that I could be of assistance to you." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of long narrative. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Eh? What was that?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I long narrative. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, there was no need for father to know." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his union?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria other lovers by making love himself." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Yes, it would be as well." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled tapping his fingers upon the table. them, and came down just as you departed. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the charge against him will break down." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in weapon." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost considering the formidable letters which were received by himself And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "In the cells." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was see me here to avoid scandal." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Did he not advertise?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "That is unusual in a young girl." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Well, but China?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'What then?' I asked. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. that threaten you." "'About the same.' "Murdered?"