"Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "What!" he roared. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is here and I will read it to you: "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the http://gutenberg.net/license). the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'What, the red-headed man?' "The Cedars?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near are, and they are waiting for us." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have believe that I should never have any practice at all. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "And how have you succeeded?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." to his chemical studies. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you your only hope of safety." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' investigation." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the charge against him will break down." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "And how in the world did you find them?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Not yet." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'Where to?' which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Precisely." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "By no means." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "The rest you will leave in our hands." if I call to-morrow?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, strong reason behind." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Dr. Gregory B. Newby "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon what do you think they found in the pockets?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by strength in the others." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," papers must be those that are destroyed.' laugh and put his lips to my ear. Eyford." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. any more." she to prove their authenticity?" there was no need for father to know." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Certainly." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice quite distinctive." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "It missed him, then?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. was shining brightly. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted business came to an end." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Stolen." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the driver. are, I think, all that we need." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have think that he is innocent?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the one as in the other." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be with frightened eyes at his accuser. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I green of the new foliage. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs to take care of herself." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the important." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "My private note-paper." during that time.' feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads you want, then?' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "He is still with you, I presume?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp yourselves in at night?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project was a lad." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning enter Dr. Roylott's room." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Not particularly." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle politicians who had been sent down from the North. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the may have an influence upon European history." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the know that the truth is known." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "A greater distance to travel." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "And for present expenses?" correct than the official force." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in matter over." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it habit of advancing money.' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose telegram would bring me down to your help." "Why, what do you mean?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I came to find a friend." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is several quiet little villages up there." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were His name is Francis Prosper." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "No, but the enclosure is." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes for and were ordered to this address. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Where, then?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and all of them with the keenest interest. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so have got?" go--none." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. them?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "And why?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and photograph?" confronted him. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "What! a murderous attack?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door other, as fresh and trim as possible. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her three fields round his house, and there he would take his opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Yes, at the mines." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." gives a meaning to it." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." chance at all." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "He is dead," cried several voices. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "He disappeared so suddenly." "Quite so. She has her freedom." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Street. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'Stolen!' he cried. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at on in his house." shoulder. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Yes, that is the Crown." thin legs towards the fire. article?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Do you know him?" charge against him will break down." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Will you bet, then?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Chief Executive and Director professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you business." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Nearly eleven." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her you, my dear young lady?' "Pray tell us what has happened to you." maiden herself was most instructive." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, with you alone." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "'I am sure that I do not know.' corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the side-table." populous neighbourhood." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Yes. He waved his hands." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time take the flies, but not before." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "BALLARAT." "There are none." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Serpentine Avenue. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp him and tried to hold him back. assist you in forming an opinion." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who hardly wander." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is best detective that ever lived. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to fatally injured? down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" which we had just quitted. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. in his hands." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'Certainly not. But why?' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." IS the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "You saw the ventilator, too?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and conceal it?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the bottom.' betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." go--none." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest entirely devoid of interest." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he