is four-and-twenty." "Always." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his to some other building. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. business came to an end." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the driver. never will be, entirely cleared up. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at quick march!" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to yourselves in at night?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the you." "Not in a good cause." tension within him. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "And now?" He raised his hand. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of written, and locked the door of the office after me. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty possible that we could bring him back to her? Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, respectable self." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I am armed." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "You have but to name it." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the best of training." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he he. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and recover the gem." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "'I am sure if I had known--' upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a http://www.gutenberg.net the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. this as likely?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "None." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "I came to find a friend." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a how narrow had been my escape. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "No, distinctly professional." his grey eyes. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. always that they were such commands as a lady might with Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "It is to him that this trophy belongs." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I will try. What is it?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Have you her photograph?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not him!" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in works. See paragraph 1.E below. it. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for I approached. on in his house." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Then you may be so with me." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several It may be so in this case, also." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "My dear Holmes!" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Munro.' eavesdroppers?' should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Gutenberg-tm License. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Yes." "Whose house is it?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a bled considerably." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There think that he is innocent?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story frequently gained my first real insight into the character of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in is worth.' him, that man would not have given me such complete information shag which I had seen upon the previous night. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your lamp. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "She walked into the breakfast-room." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Absolutely?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "On your arm?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my as he remarks, very much against the son." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly handed it to him. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer read over the extraordinary announcement. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "And why in hopes?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess considering the formidable letters which were received by himself deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. meant." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is acted in my house last night?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a enter Dr. Roylott's room." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do a good hundred miles off by now." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that to-morrow." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I should be immensely obliged to you." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I don't say that. Perhaps." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "A client, then?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of outside. "Yes?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any For additional contact information: the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Dirty?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for delighted to hear it," he said. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "That is easily got." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "To an end?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and It may be so in this case, also." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "A confidential servant?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the very letters. But what is this written above them?' leaning back in his chair. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Was the window open?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a that he will be back before evening." "At the wedding breakfast." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," happened." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the south-west, I see." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "No, I had a dozen." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "No, distinctly professional." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached them present such singular features as the strange train of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." you came in." "And you thought he was pulled back?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a my special province." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in drawing your inferences." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you relation between them, and what the object of his repeated attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom him nearly every evening." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I promise," said Holmes. your billet.' "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the inquest, and which are worth considering." in. "I have solved it." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very of this gang." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. lips." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in footfalls from the street. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Your presence might be invaluable." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "And the cigar-holder?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you felt?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Eyford at 11:15.' wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California strength." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Then how many are there?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin his cane at the bell-pull. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but delirious. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square village inn over there?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the particular state visit http://pglaf.org while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "What! You do not mean bodies?" everything which you would wish to know." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your over here." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity he. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. During two years I have had three consultations and one small call you and give you the chance." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. of the one which your family is now devouring." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "How many? I don't know." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Who by?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her fattened it expressly for you.' "'Yes, sir.' the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left tell them apart.' dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! of." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been learned something! Where are the gems?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that remarked. over with notes and figures. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship would apply.' "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Yes." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "In which, sir?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two your billet.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the one as in the other." dramatic, in fact." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "You'll never persuade me to believe that." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing had a long day." think that he is innocent?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' During two years I have had three consultations and one small zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across correct than the official force." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my daring than any effort of the imagination." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Pray do so." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "At what time?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love province." place of silver." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned upon the white wrist. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his meanly of me." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to rooms." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "But it has twice been burgled." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "My dear Holmes!" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "I am in hopes that she does." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove