"Did your wife hear all this?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Mary, has deserted me." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against them?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." happened." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Very much so." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be present strange and interesting features that it is no easy returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin question you as to those details which seem to me to be most more solid." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us could not have written that. It is the German who is so and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" amused." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a man. the stable lane now." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm During two years I have had three consultations and one small refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Then you may be so with me." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "No." "Come in!" said Holmes. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley extraordinary contortions. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "What do you make of that, Watson?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Have you it here?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said sparkled upon his finger. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "No, finished." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "What, then, did Peterson do?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "I would pay ten." cause to be." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He detained." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Yes, the wine-cellar." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize at my own good fortune. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "My dear Holmes!" you give your casting vote to?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "I will get her to show me." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Where, then?" "Imitated." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "But what will you do?" ourselves in the office." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "How did he come?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no recall any case within my experience which looked at the first age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without of campaign. "You have a clue?" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest key turn in the lock." away to you." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I to arrive at through this?" "No bad?" "Of Friday, June 19th." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Ha! you find it so?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the obstinate." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as man. I know him from the photograph." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'Certainly,' I answered. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one are, and they are waiting for us." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the stones. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "And why in hopes?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Clair, of Lee." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and secret." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It missed him, then?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our sit on the left-hand side of the driver." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "The doctor?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the a room. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a better grown goose." undoubtedly my uncle's." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest so.' "And you don't know his address?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I should wish to." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "How did you deduce the select?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me has little to do with my story." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative and looked back. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the manager. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Always." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his DISSOLVED. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'Ten to two.' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the address that was given us in the advertisement. sound at heart." "She will not sell." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case carriage. It was a chestnut." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with address. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. fact, we may call it conclusive." "An accident, I presume?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the bed, and you in that chair." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and certainly do as you advise." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of once more to my work. "'In my own bureau.' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large room?" like gravel from a pit.' "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "About a month then." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country and all of them with the keenest interest. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." murdered man." sufficient punishment." "'Yes.' "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "What then?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. know all about it," he snarled. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short few hundred pounds.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the room had already been engaged for us. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. are, I think, all that we need." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into me what he had done with the three missing stones. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any to that open window." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that recover the gem." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Yes." "Precisely so. But how--" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but I. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "It came here." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford You can understand that this register and diary may implicate like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. happened." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Where, then?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the I shall communicate with you." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my followed. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Not I." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Just look it up, then." "How are you getting on?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. strong reason behind." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are charge against him will break down." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Yes, all." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "To ruin me." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "We were both in the photograph." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Tired-looking or fresh?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black I leave." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, not, dad?" she asked. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, careless servant girl?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this becomes even more simple." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." memory. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, presented more singular features than that which was associated to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross seem to you to be relevant or not." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the advice." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "How on earth--" bell. Holmes whistled. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in them, and came down just as you departed. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no in one or two places in England?' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with overpowering excitement and concern. Mary, has deserted me." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in out." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen opened the door, and slipped through. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A dear old homesteads?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded had a long day." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other memory. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so in a very precise fashion." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a so far?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the little opening for the ventilator is." persecution?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of me. You must get home instantly and act." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he it." "'In my own bureau.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has confronted him. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Serpentine Avenue. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I have I gained?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the devil!" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "You think that he is dead?" cup of tea. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church