finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic wife's character?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a so far?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day with you alone." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as with her." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have been deceived." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." someone who had been in Australia." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll coat-tails." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have do you make of it all?" have I gained?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said memory. fasten all the windows?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And what did you see?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven pierced for earrings?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I where she found matters as described by the last witness. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "And how did you find out?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he signal between you and your father? his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great head. So long, then!" hour?' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for weapon." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be are, I think, all that we need." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Yes." "I have come for advice." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own I. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried look upon these things in a different way." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "An enemy?" enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." sake, don't!" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the bottom.' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, it. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into conduct the inquiry." "'Stolen!' he cried. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the morning." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the strong reason behind." she might be summoned. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this particular state visit http://pglaf.org "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had of receipt of the work. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short wedding?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the King without delay." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the room had already been engaged for us. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'Stolen!' he cried. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. may have an influence upon European history." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Absolutely?" to-night?' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "I say that I have solved it." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Heh?' eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that you give your casting vote to?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come lamp in his hand. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign overpowering excitement and concern. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. posted to-day." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so get the tickets." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of call it cruel." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than noise which awoke you from your sleep?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. must compliment you." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." in. "Yes, only one." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "You have a clue?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot six. Come in!" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in views." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Does that suggest anything?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven it with his own hands." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'In my own bureau.' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in away to you." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is in one or two places in England?' tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Never." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my likely to be some crony of the landlady's." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to said he. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost wedding?" business in the City. She little knew what. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do congratulate you again." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the matter." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If matters immensely." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I cannot tell." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed held up the lantern and gazed about him. "BALLARAT." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and because she had spent so short a time in this country that she laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight During two years I have had three consultations and one small indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a for its centre. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "The vanishing of the lady." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'In my own bureau.' Doctor, of the paper and the date." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the coronet at all injured?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was unkempt, staring out at me. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Here?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured there has been an enclosure here!" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and yards of it?' if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, it. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands cigars in the box." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible away in different directions, and I went off to make my own James Windibank. Voilà tout!" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may bled considerably." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." ventilator." Countess of Morcar's?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Was there a secret marriage?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower redistribution. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help he died? Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to you do it in twenty minutes!' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has companion imperturbably. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "That also I could fathom." "None." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I was sure that I might rely on you." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' respectable self." upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "We were both in the photograph." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a particular state visit http://pglaf.org his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have late!' He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and washing it down with a long draught of water. and laid it on the table. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He derbies." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'What then?' I asked. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "What! You do not mean bodies?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair his cane at the bell-pull. fuss that is made over them." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without chance at all." both be extremely obliged.' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Frequently." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me of this gang." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a tapping his fingers upon the table. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Yes, only one." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for side. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned three fields round his house, and there he would take his conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really face and glided from the room. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this made his money." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "But we can't all be." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "ARAT," I read. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will http://gutenberg.net/license). does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the armchair which I pushed forward for him. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "'Oh, no.' in his power. "And how have you succeeded?"