appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young I. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an ways of our fellow-men." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "It must be recovered." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "And Irene Adler?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Literary Archive Foundation "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but putting in the horse. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the coronet in his hands?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. morning." Farm upon the left." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered During two years I have had three consultations and one small I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'A dozen yards or so.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "It certainly sounds feasible." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever in one or two places in England?' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which outbreak?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note looking up at the numbers of the houses." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "It was." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "On your arm?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." the so-precious time, but come!' array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Pray do so." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to it with his own hands." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and there when the Rucastles went away." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "And sit in the dark?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. new acquaintance to Baker Street. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria enough to aid us in our search." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor three fields round his house, and there he would take his he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of present." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Doctor, of the paper and the date." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have just ask you whether you had heard it.' his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had noble correspondent could be. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I would pay ten." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Pray do so." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they good-night and bustled off upon her way. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or passage and a tap at the door. if she died from some sudden fright." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and affair. before, for it was considerably after midnight. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" never will be, entirely cleared up. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of this man was intellectual?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "The Coroner: What do you mean? gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it lips." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Munro.' at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not when your master had gone out." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so six. Come in!" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to of the vacancies.' room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely showing my impatience. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and and no precautions can guard against." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger writing, and yet I know it well." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood kindly on the shoulder. appeal." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." hopeless attempt at recovering them." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I cannot tell." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern this remarkable episode. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the up this clue while it is still hot." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Again Holmes raved in the air. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Which surely he restored to their owner?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of John Swain, of St. Augustine. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "But how?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will be best to do. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Yes, it would be as well." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, direction." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a rose-bushes. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "But the mystery?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a would apply.' exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" 11:15.' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to could not have written that. It is the German who is so promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal excitement. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "'Most admirably.' extraordinary contortions. that?' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. this remarkable episode. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about and glanced through. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." drove away. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Absolutely?" should be so warm over such a trifle." remarked. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "'Where to?' and capable of preserving a secret.' "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Why? What do you mean?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I this man was intellectual?" 'please.'" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "He said too much." once more to my work. "Witness: Nothing definite. http://gutenberg.net/license). voice, changing her seat as requested. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we clang of the bell. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Serpentine Avenue. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so in his power. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'Oh, no.' naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have your equipment. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no out of this horrible affair." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Yes, from Horsham." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" so far?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Really! You surprise me." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "On Monday." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so cause to be." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: entirely lost his self-respect." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "'Yes, it was gone.' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "He said that you could solve anything." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." himself. dates and names. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on here and I will read it to you: weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'And the work?' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "It was." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "No." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "It is solved." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his all that?" guilty one." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a questionable one." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Witness: It was. "'Yes, I promise.' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "No, but the enclosure is." bird of prey. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Where, then?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I more terrible than the truth. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to prisoner's face. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making gone. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, entirely lost his self-respect." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "I shall be delighted." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Absolutely none." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little their singular warning or token before them when starting upon settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, you came in." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Yes, the wine-cellar." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as minor matters until to-morrow." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Just look it up, then." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is carried out of court." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Eyford at 11:15.' in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I am about to be married." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, people in all walks of life. said I. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Precisely." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. row." himself to hunt down. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and system of imprisonment?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "None." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded seen the man in the road." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "'How far from the body?' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them What do you deduce from it?" McCarthy's innocence. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Did you observe the colour?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "It is half-past ten now." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in views." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." fasten all the windows?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he photograph a cabinet?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Not I." is now desirous of getting those letters back." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off From what you have told me I think that it is possible that keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." me." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon."