those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Has he come with you to-night?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white presume?" wedding?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now quick march!" "Stolen." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Do you know him?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in towards the blaze. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "No, I had a dozen." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Murdered?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, his face. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the read it out to me." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time wanted for ourselves." went to the Alpha were town bred." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he The telegram which we eventually received came late one night going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. opportunities to fix the problem. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, McCarthy." girl said." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" cigars in the box." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill definite end. it." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Nothing." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found problems help me to do so." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the Assizes." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Not yet." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! jewels which you have stolen?' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. was keenly on my guard against him. house for five minutes.' Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there and all of them with the keenest interest. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the stable lane now." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the dangers which encompass me." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure a good hundred miles off by now." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a way: to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. disappearance of these gems?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Pool. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H flock.' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was pound a week." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It surprised me." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'As governess?' "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I have seen the police." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is less than 26s. 4d. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle wedding?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he chamber." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so present." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that friends, not even his own brother. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What! Had he lost his wife?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Deserted you?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered this truth that in these little records of our cases which you mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and was lame." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Your sister is dead, then?" photograph a cabinet?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but in this note: "The doctor?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "But we can't all be." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is entirely devoid of interest." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "He might." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Of what?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my purpose of examination. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural silent! Oh, he will be silent!' back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'Where could I find him?' to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. giving me time to thank him. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I have my revolver," said I. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had new duties?' cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the Red-headed League." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of that before taking the final step I should like to submit the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its bird I ate is country bred." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His visitors." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I one's self under obligations.' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one started for the Temple to see my husband. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Certainly, madam." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Precisely." "You horrify me!" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but This is what he says: "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the very morning of the wedding." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "That is easily got." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, breakfast?" "What then?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we dead, shall be safe with us." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "No more words. Get out!" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "My dear Holmes!" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' rat could hardly pass through." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master The King stared at him in amazement. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I our word." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for mystery!" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "My own seal." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "And what did you learn from him?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "You have but to name it." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, without a word or a look. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant cigar and let me expound." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend in your London, you will know that the office of the company is and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Married! When?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last them, and came down just as you departed. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "The knees of his trousers." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. imbecility!" he cried. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, approach us with offers to donate. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My respectable self." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded door?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or deduce something from that?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Not social, then?" "I have seen the police." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Where, then, is my wife?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Witness: Nothing definite. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which think that any burglar could have done. "And now?" He raised his hand. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock I was concerned in it." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "How do you know, then?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step to have that photograph." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "What are they?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "And I to find an enemy." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing interested in these little problems, and since you are good promised to bring home. placed his cuttings. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still as the one I chose?' the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "It is very kind of you." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "What can it mean?" I gasped. peculiar to him. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed bird of prey. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." there!' controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down that you wished to speak to me?' one of them." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' society." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the dangers which encompass me." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence the ceiling. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Look there!" said he. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Pray do so." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, seen the man in the road." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the roots. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining know that the truth is known." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Two days later this same performance was gone through under managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "The Coroner: What do you mean? seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Was he the only applicant?" note?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, fashion which was peculiar to him. with you alone." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of pressing in one house as in another. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I don't believe it." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" excitement. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Does that suggest anything?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an stepfather?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" sneer upon his pale face. "And on what day did he meet his death?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" and effective." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough copied or distributed: "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Sutherland. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction drove away. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that upon the shelf for the interim." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I have my revolver," said I. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker tell me that you intended to go into harness." enough to aid us in our search." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'And the work?' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" visitors." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not