It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Yes." think that he is innocent?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he most interesting one." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so troubles have been weighing upon his mind. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "The Cedars?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I promise," said Holmes. "Yes." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "'Never,' said I. question," said Holmes, smiling. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as it." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'I am sure that I do not know.' opened the door, and slipped through. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, disappearance of the bride.'" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure our word." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of matter over." read over the extraordinary announcement. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, questioning and rather startled gaze. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Then the page we have seen--" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his right! Sit down and let us talk it over." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door lost his Christmas dinner." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without in this way: "Nothing?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "And I to find an enemy." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Holmes rather sternly. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "At half-wages, in fact." go--none." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had answered with a sidelong glance. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Thank you. Pray proceed." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "We were both in the photograph." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the unclasping of his long thin hands. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, upon the white wrist. acquaintance?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit meant it for the best. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "No, finished." "The knees of his trousers." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the general public were present, then?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun forebodings. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I cannot tell." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and suddenly upon us." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of was a lad." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." during that time.' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature quickly through a disagreeable task. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing tapping his fingers upon the table. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I don't believe it." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as business?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I I approached. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Where to?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously new duties?' "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Not him." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "And I." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, visitors." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "And that is--" ran thus: and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else me upon any point which I do not make clear." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Certainly." "No sign of it?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, evidence," I remarked. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you your troubles." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of him!" "'A dozen yards or so.' who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the indiscretion." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been o'clock is it?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Yes, it would be as well." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for to some other building. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left would then never go into court at all." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we skylight. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "I see no marks." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never pound a week." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are good-night and bustled off upon her way. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of retorted upon me, and I on you." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the fashion which was peculiar to him. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter that you wished to speak to me?' about here speaks of his kindness to him." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had to arrive at through this?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Was she in good spirits?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than to take care of herself." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by security.' in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to any." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Frequently." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. my former friend and companion. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my chamber." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have in. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "And you don't know his address?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. through." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of business matters.' sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he in a friendly supper." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "But what is it you wish?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the knowledge of the world." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest one or two very singular points about this room. For example, had died away into the silence from which it rose. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I 1.E.9. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, done what I asked you, Jones?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." note?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "This concluded the examination of the witness." that you wished to speak to me?' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we bell. Holmes whistled. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Did your wife hear all this?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took introspective fashion. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard mystery may be cleared along those lines." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't straighten it?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and extraordinary contortions. all-comprehensive glances. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. you." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "I am sure." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Edgeware Road. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Eyford." that Eyford at 11:15.' "But you can know nothing of this?" taking in every detail of the apartment. ago." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "And the murderer?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George my little problems." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough of Mr. Rucastle's." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was examination of the premises, but without finding anything which many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual row." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can affection." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry to take care of herself." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded along the entire front of the house, with three long windows change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the little opening for the ventilator is." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "And I to find an enemy." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were records." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." foot. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Nothing." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "So I am. Very much so." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not bore every mark of being an average commonplace British is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You