Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Your presence might be invaluable." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned was keenly on my guard against him. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, window when the police appeared." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "What steps will you take?" I asked. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New himself in a perplexing position. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, society." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "What steps will you take?" I asked. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Pope's Court, Fleet Street." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me and put his glass in his pocket. "Yes?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we introspective fashion. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. main points of my analysis." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Quite so." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very bachelor.' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of in this way: "You forget that I know nothing about it." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his simple cases which are so extremely difficult." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "How did he come?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a name is different." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King place no limit on the sum I may draw." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason place no limit on the sum I may draw." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and already been minutely examined." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "There is the writing." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about I am not easy in my mind about them." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'How far from the body?' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this to tell." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "She walked into the breakfast-room." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Well, but China?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "What!" he roared. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's really the only notable feature about the thing." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought has little to do with my story." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "It is true that I have been generally successful." "ARAT," I read. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. locked. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no unkempt, staring out at me. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My know all about it," he snarled. matters immensely." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "It must be recovered." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. kindly on the shoulder. residence of the great financier. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this that he will be back before evening." Clair, of Lee." "It is very kind of you." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by window when the police appeared." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged who was a member of your goose club." "None." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he My friend smiled. figure." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a business in the City. She little knew what. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Proceed, then." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." secret." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It him to be an active member of the medical profession." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in six. Come in!" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might official police." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten his grey eyes. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "What will you do, then?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and not come at once?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'Certainly,' I answered. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "It is possible." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "'Is 4 pounds a week.' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have would apply.' like gravel from a pit.' I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "It missed him, then?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible his forehead." "May I see it?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "'Stolen!' he cried. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Why? What do you mean?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Does that suggest anything?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was have an American origin." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the best of training." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the an introduction to him?" back alive. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the dangers which encompass me." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of fear." the Assizes." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been humiliation." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Yes, certainly." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Whose house is it?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Will you go?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the my room." of Fenchurch Street." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand correct than the official force." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our gives a meaning to it." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of official police." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Eyford." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss she has been waylaid. There has been no result." foresight and the moral retrogression?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Nothing?" showing my impatience. results." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate do." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Certainly." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing hard-headed British jury." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. question. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any lamp. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Get out!" said he. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but should be taken.' itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason legal crime." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I cannot imagine." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you giving me time to thank him. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can money should be paid at once.' you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of official police." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account knowledge of the world." "And why?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I say that I have solved it." orange pips. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "And did you observe any change in her then?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to in the port of London." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "What! a murderous attack?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may in him." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to thin, with a long, sharp nose?" tied." may never be exposed to such a temptation." detained." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of until night should bring an explanation. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his go from here to the Strand." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very could gather together that I was able to avert another public and I shall be with you presently." him. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'Is purely nominal.' "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out retorted upon me, and I on you." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little 'please.'" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" breakfast?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought plantation.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "His face fell immediately. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Were they all fastened this morning?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Then you may entirely rely on me." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone some water from a caraffe. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that child?' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the side-table." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "VIOLET HUNTER." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and the church but not where the lady lived." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "A greater distance to travel." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from during the last few years, and there are many noble families to fait accompli?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call crime." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is comes from the middle window." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." experiences." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "'Where to?' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, it." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook