gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in burst into a hearty fit of laughter. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's was used.' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Gutenberg-tm License. my special province." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get bore every mark of being an average commonplace British four million human beings all jostling each other within the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. shoulder. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until 'I should be able to look after that for you.' come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did fuss that is made over them." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Sutherland. be there in time for your coming." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Entirely.' (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Very much so." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" horse could go." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we stood on the top of it. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an IS approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite with frightened eyes at his accuser. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two copied or distributed: assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and past. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Really! You surprise me." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, handed it to him. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money nice household for a young lady." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'Stolen!' he cried. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "You have carte blanche." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Pope's Court. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of annoyance, but no jest. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should indiscretion." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his stood on the top of it. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the assist you in forming an opinion." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so which was all perfectly true. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not notes," he said. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I because she had spent so short a time in this country that she was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. true." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "But not more so than I to find you." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "The gentleman I describe." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, matter." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong advice." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "What will you do, then?" out of this horrible affair." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of a good hundred miles off by now." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He strength of mind to control. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and your only hope of safety." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' married her." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with done what I asked you, Jones?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Foundation coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Not I." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell country, and eventually married, without anyone having a platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, other means.' think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish strange features which were associated with the two crimes which implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the carriage. It was a chestnut." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he had a long day." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without future lives." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a cheerful." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the garden below. the little opening for the ventilator is." "On the contrary, this is the right side." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other think that he is innocent?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "But you have hopes?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "There are none." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had respectable self." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back cheerful." friend's singular character. "In the cells." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw easy-going way." assist you in forming an opinion." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than shadow pass over his face as I spoke. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "And now?" I asked. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "No. What a strange idea!" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure this unhappy family?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers heavy and sharp instrument." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the window, rose as we entered. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Holmes, the busybody!" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It horse could go." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass get her out of the way." "Texas, I think." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray here and I will read it to you: Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this taking in every detail of the apartment. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his rooms." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the wanted for ourselves." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Yes, they were peculiar boots." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event jewels which you have stolen?' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, seen the man in the road." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the had died away into the silence from which it rose. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and to-night's adventure." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My question. "No, I am descending." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we trying to your nerves." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Nothing?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! ready to-morrow?' "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a tied." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." could not have written that. It is the German who is so after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man was it brought him the coronet? "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "And Irene Adler?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I have hopes." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The papers on the sundial.'" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To down in his armchair and closing his eyes. again on its way. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that some terrible trap for her." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he showing my impatience. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may affection." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting affection." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "I shall most certainly do so." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there have established a very serious case against the son of the "'Where to?' us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your one of them." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his occurred." "To an end?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in indeed which he could not unravel. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'Which dealer's?' my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'I have already given you my word.' there in twenty minutes." "'I have already given you my word.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "What, then, did Peterson do?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Leadenhall Street--and--" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some several quiet little villages up there." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was we went to search for him, face downward in a little stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "No bad?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I came to find a friend." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming impression behind it as though a window had gently closed all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." where she found matters as described by the last witness. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have My friend smiled.