doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we hour?' and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are matter." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. companion. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look cause to be." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious derbies." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. in his power. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the coroner come to?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from showing my impatience. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I never have." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "How on earth--" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for least a fellow-countryman. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "How on earth--" of the one which your family is now devouring." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker place, I think that there is good ground to think that the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact forbidden door. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." This is what he says: clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do of them has the shutters up.' could not account in any way for the presence of the missing journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "To ruin me." society." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' past. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even and looked back. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I cannot tell." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the station." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in ashen face. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I am in hopes that she does." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." I have it here in my museum." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "My photograph." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open despaired of." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, of it with the greatest attention. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, face and glided from the room. which are rolled in Rotterdam." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Proceed, then." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to me. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in unprecedented a position." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing tear off another piece?' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing really the only notable feature about the thing." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But this as likely?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "The best possible." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a to a more successful conclusion." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." up this clue while it is still hot." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger geese which you supplied to the Alpha." whatever might befall. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of extraordinary contortions. allusion to a rat. "Precisely." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at I held the little printed slip to the light. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Then how many are there?" and put his glass in his pocket. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with could not have written that. It is the German who is so house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which there was no need for father to know." "An accident, I presume?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from pressing in one house as in another. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the appointment with me for six o'clock?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. are, and they are waiting for us." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "'How far from the body?' fattened it expressly for you.' were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two You want to know what became of those geese?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Yes, sir." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only meant it for the best. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "VIOLET HUNTER." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the Friday. Was it to be in church?" have established a very serious case against the son of the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Then I do not see the point." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls mysterious end." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in in this note: hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see problems help me to do so." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old rooms." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an started for the Temple to see my husband. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Yes. He waved his hands." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "You horrify me." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Then I shall certainly come." third from London." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal highroad, where all traces were lost. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Sholtos." looking up at the numbers of the houses." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "And Miss Sutherland?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. call it cruel." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and put his glass in his pocket. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and I took the paper from him and read as follows: acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By of the one which your family is now devouring." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'It is locked up,' I answered. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. this man was intellectual?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you suddenly upon us." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest appeared upon the scene." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for my special province." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her to-night?" I asked. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining business?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Why did you pick him?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of in one or two places in England?' in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable and glanced through. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Quite so. She has her freedom." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "It is to him that this trophy belongs." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were point in the dark hollow of his hand. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "What office?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Yes, all." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account chair. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." ran thus: "I have a cab outside." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "This photograph!" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me where she found matters as described by the last witness. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "You have compromised yourself seriously." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his to-night." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "And did you observe any change in her then?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I think it very unlikely." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "But of what society?" companion quietly. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is was feeling which was the fattest.' you?' the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which never to learn it at all." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." handed it to him. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I will, Miss Turner." "That you are never beaten." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his made him keep the appointment." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been The summons was a brief and urgent one. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of that you can jump it.' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "You have the photograph?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do overpowering excitement and concern. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I notes," he said. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who congratulate you again." know that the truth is known." "'What, the red-headed man?' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "The Cedars?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" more terrible than the truth. companion quietly. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which might help us?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from chambers. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" developed." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Witness: I must still refuse. "What then?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'Ten to two.' had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of dead, shall be safe with us." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "So I have heard." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had door?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close My friend smiled. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "But to whom?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from page at http://pglaf.org conclusions. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the