Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did entirely devoid of interest." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, clanging. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' be best to do. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "You have a clue?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Nothing?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we from the brougham. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which his knees, staring into the fire. "She showed me, as I told you she would." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Yes, at the mines." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the devil!" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive tell him that I know him to be innocent." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be golden eyeglasses. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, observed. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yes." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. helping a boy to put up the shutters. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." neither fascinating nor artistic." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to I approached. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I am about to be married." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "'About the same.' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some was lame." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always writing, and yet I know it well." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was long narrative. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you remarked. carriage. It was a chestnut." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the place of silver." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. disturbance in my wife." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the matter." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "No, I had a dozen." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, be. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Yes." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had is a common subject for conversation. that I can to serve you." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales you in yours." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the driver. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if said I. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he into the bag, and made for the door. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I should be immensely obliged to you." "I beg pardon." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there at home. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." read it out to me." him nearly every evening." about. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Your French gold?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "His face fell immediately. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy fait accompli?" Sutherland?" the tragedy. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "One?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "I say that I have solved it." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I been deceived." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of entirely devoid of interest." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid been lifted and conveyed somewhere." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "9th. McCauley cleared. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Married! When?" "To an end?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." suddenly upon us." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at closely." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual presented more singular features than that which was associated It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "My opinion is in no way altered." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there habit of advancing money.' to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Yes, he did." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a call the police, let the police find what they can.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Why? What do you mean?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "But not more so than I to find you." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in presented more singular features than that which was associated "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side out." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the jewels which you have stolen?' Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached recover the gem." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Yes." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were garden below. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Holmes. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. and glanced through. easy-going way." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I to talk it over. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." a little more before I quite committed myself. is four-and-twenty." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to matters immensely." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. problems help me to do so." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "My own seal." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your to have that photograph." details." letters?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "I should be immensely obliged to you." "One?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your should be so warm over such a trifle." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if sofa. This way, please!" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At third from London." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before cigar and let me expound." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just http://www.gutenberg.net clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the very morning of the wedding." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both one else, I think." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom past. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught may never be exposed to such a temptation." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen our word." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "My dear Holmes!" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a vanished into the darkness. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "I have a cab outside." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel anything to do with the matter?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend likely to be some crony of the landlady's." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "And how did you find out?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Never to return." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I do.' "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous My friend smiled. if I call to-morrow?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a particular state visit http://pglaf.org Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in seem to you to be relevant or not." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "I say it is." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or in the port of London." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "By all means." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "The decline of his fortunes, then?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but dead, shall be safe with us." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "It was an hour's good drive." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a fashion which was peculiar to him. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "And I say east," said my patient. possible that we could bring him back to her? by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and no precautions can guard against." IS back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I have my revolver," said I. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" experiences." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "What steps will you take?" I asked. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Where, indeed?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and his forehead." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself."