system of imprisonment?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Do you go out much in society?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this leave you to your papers for a little." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by and glanced through. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I think that it is very probable." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Witness: Nothing definite. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the think, you have already met." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Yes, all." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must delirious. "And what then?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as definite end. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "'Stolen!' he cried. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "I have a cab outside." were unconscious?" "'In my own bureau.' "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just humiliation." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his fluttered off among the others. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his of the one which your family is now devouring." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Yes." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "You forget that I know nothing about it." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Holmes rather sternly. "BALLARAT." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Then what has happened to him?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too front of the hall door has given its name to the place. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and put his glass in his pocket. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Yesterday." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there be best to do. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a have got?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in question you as to those details which seem to me to be most southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Thank you. And your address?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your delirious. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come page at http://pglaf.org "And why?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We trying to your nerves." definite end. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "How do you know, then?" possible that we could bring him back to her? "You have carte blanche." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Not in a good cause." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "What will you do, then?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "You are hungry," I remarked. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her started for the Temple to see my husband. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "What will you say?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done said he. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency congratulate you again." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, tell me that you intended to go into harness." it." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "What then?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room jewels which you have stolen?' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced into the room. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no all that?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "But I have heard all that you have heard." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "In the cells." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, least a most suspicious remark." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "By all means." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Then the page we have seen--" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Edgeware Road. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone tied." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew For additional contact information: "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "You forget that I know nothing about it." in his power. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and was the fact that his father should, according to his account, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to this man was intellectual?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have him!" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. them present such singular features as the strange train of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "What! a murderous attack?" our word." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was second window is the one that I jumped from." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is undoubtedly my uncle's." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "You think that he is dead?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Yes, certainly." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge shag which I had seen upon the previous night. girl said." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for me what he had done with the three missing stones. "None." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Where did you address your letters, then?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each better grown goose." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a politicians who had been sent down from the North. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock any more." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "I will get her to show me." "No bad?" his face. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital ways including including checks, online payments and credit card client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Here?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "And is that all?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Will you go?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, one's self under obligations.' guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his daring than any effort of the imagination." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. interests were the same as his." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to in his hands." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us outbreak?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in leave you to your papers for a little." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "It must be recovered." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of will take you up to see the machine.' but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have License. You must require such a user to return or from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Come in!" said he. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that I approached. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" asked. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" way: colour had been driven from his face. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round them?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "No. What a strange idea!" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away was already answered. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'Where could I find him?' after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that License. You must require such a user to return or companion quietly. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, questionable one." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. and laid it on the table. future lives." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Eyford." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'Ample.' beg that you will break it off." someone who had been in Australia." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke now. It seems that there had been some informality about their tear off another piece?' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is and files of the old papers, following the future career of every lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to shall use the carriage to-night." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of that threaten you." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I if only as a check to my own memory." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some read over the extraordinary announcement. believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." standing smiling on the door-step. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "What then?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his roused himself from his reverie. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of again on its way. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has weighed down with some great anxiety. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a bill, which interests me deeply." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "What! Had he lost his wife?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other down in his armchair and closing his eyes. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you