his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the peculiar to him. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered pierced for earrings?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal purpose equally well?" "Yes, it was twisted." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases status with the IRS. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Mary, has deserted me." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Where did you address your letters, then?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Not him." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got on re-entering her father's house?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you bird of prey. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing retorted upon me, and I on you." distinguish the words: breakfast?" never to learn it at all." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out now. It seems that there had been some informality about their secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It in a friendly supper." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay chambers. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I memory. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their thirty. "How are you getting on?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told matter." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Has he come with you to-night?" "Very truly yours, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "You are hungry," I remarked. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which to talk it over. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were such person." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. of the way of danger. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. tied." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a criminal. We have already had experience of such." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty it." public press." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Well, it is a possible supposition." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this once more. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small was a lad." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I such person." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that prepare for the new role I have to play." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! http://www.gutenberg.net tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the stammered. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." ago." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the people in all walks of life. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love occurred." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to there when the Rucastles went away." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes said he at last. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "By train from Waterloo." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his disturbance in my wife." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To of it with the greatest attention. "Well, but China?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right before the coroner and the police-court." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight look dissatisfied." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the coroner come to?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the so far?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "What of the rat, then?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in skylight. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'And what are they worth?' I asked. me." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'Why that?' I asks. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I thirty. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "'Very good.' "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly was already answered. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature was used.' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the bearing upon the case." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Certainly." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over during the last few years, and there are many noble families to it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I have seen the police." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots my friend's incisive reasoning. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "In San Francisco, a year ago." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "But his lameness?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we upon the shelf for the interim." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled him!" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up over with notes and figures. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." late!' the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "My dear Holmes!" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we place of silver." one which it was hard to resist. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless happened." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box it." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us cigars in their mouths. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he correct than the official force." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE most interesting one." Stoke Moran." wanted for ourselves." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Bought." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less at once, for I have only half an hour." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that heavy and sharp instrument." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we galvanised. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "To the police?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my are windows in it, of course?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Is he quiet?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "But who is he?" danger is over." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, to tackle the facts." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the stable lane now." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new power." "What will you do, then?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a occupations.' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version question you as to those details which seem to me to be most will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to brain must have something in it." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in it with his own hands." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "How are you getting on?" speckled band?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the leaning back in his chair. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, strong reason behind." there!' him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, lectures into a series of tales." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing whereabouts. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Ah!" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Imitated." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. just called myself is not exactly my own." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." politicians who had been sent down from the North. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to suspect him." have not had my rubber." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Where to?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the or other trace. But how on earth--" Street. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "The best possible." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." past. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which residence of the great financier. "Her father is very rich?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an easy-going way." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Cross for the Continent." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she and the whole place is in a blaze." your most interesting statement." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "That is unusual in a young girl." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "How are you getting on?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. photograph a cabinet?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem have I gained?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I