already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "That is not always so easy." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you assist you in forming an opinion." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Farm upon the left." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." was feeling which was the fattest.' nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I say that I have solved it." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "But you have hopes?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "What are they?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "By train from Waterloo." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "There are none." to a more successful conclusion." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, already referred to. "Ample." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently before, for it was considerably after midnight. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I was feeling which was the fattest.' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the ordinary clothes on?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous closely." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as weighed down with some great anxiety. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "You were travelling in the States?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of instituted." "Witness: It was. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Eyford." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I before, for it was considerably after midnight. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an in the hope of finding them." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "And Miss Sutherland?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that James Windibank. Voilà tout!" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was appeared upon the scene." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "None. Neville wrote those words." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who developed." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord my little problems." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Yes, that is the Crown." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Yes?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "We must have a cab." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their least a most suspicious remark." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face his wife has ceased to love him." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been call you and give you the chance." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and noble correspondent could be. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the fattened it expressly for you.' multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, once more to my work. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are have one." Henry Baker is a member." crime." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "But to whom?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Dr. Becher's." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. ago." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call examine." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows to change my dress. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "My dear Holmes!" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. existence." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the pierced for earrings?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "It is very clear." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall there in twenty minutes." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade promised to bring home. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true beg that you will break it off." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Of what?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "One of the highest in England." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. which it had come upon my father." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' here and I will read it to you: mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. you do it in twenty minutes!' no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Was she in good spirits?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. of the way of danger. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" your billet.' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "The gentleman I describe." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "It is solved." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third laugh and put his lips to my ear. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." nothing with him." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in touch that coronet?' Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "You know me, then?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "No, my brougham is waiting." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the entirely devoid of interest." "But the mystery?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" passage and a tap at the door. that he will be back before evening." leaning back in his chair. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I should be immensely obliged to you." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. exactly what you advise." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the date of his supposed suicide." acted in my house last night?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no which we had just quitted. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "You know me, then?" nothing with him." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. discontent upon his features. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and them present such singular features as the strange train of dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, friend's singular character. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very than to us. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for round and wave him away like that.' noble correspondent could be. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his ran thus: Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. to his chemical studies. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "You have a clue?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once promised to bring home. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were do.' the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "I am in hopes that she does." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "You think so, too?" yards of it?' on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss be.' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "VIOLET HUNTER." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to cost them two and thirty pounds." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the look dissatisfied." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn present." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a trifles." when your master had gone out." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making call the police, let the police find what they can.' upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said that had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'Certainly not.' have an American origin." "And how did you find out?" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "What! You do not mean bodies?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "It is very kind of you." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." together. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together one which it was hard to resist. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "On Monday." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a him. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I am all attention, madam." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. strong reason behind." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, young Openshaw's." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the happened." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be searched, without anything being found which could incriminate rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just could gather together that I was able to avert another public after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "It is his hat." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and there was no need for father to know." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "He disappeared so suddenly." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "My opinion is in no way altered." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'And what are they worth?' I asked. door?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words were new raised from a basin. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Countess of Morcar's?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Never." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The annoyance, but no jest. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say,