hour?' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his should be so warm over such a trifle." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "So I am. Very much so." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "How long did she speak to this Alice?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Arthur Conan Doyle "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the was feeling which was the fattest.' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. writers could invent nothing more crude." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had mysterious end." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given I leave." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an question," said Holmes, smiling. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Never." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain words came to my lips. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a stalked out of the room. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon been deceived." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you to tackle the facts." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Most admirably.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Imitated." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Stoke Moran?" said he. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the his eyes and forehead. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we do.' "It was an hour's good drive." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear from the brougham. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Texas, I think." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the hands. had died away into the silence from which it rose. and put his glass in his pocket. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt my room." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient whereabouts. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to used to be." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the miles off. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had brain must have something in it." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a pressing in one house as in another. "Very truly yours, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the over here." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. said I. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the house with me." and laid it on the table. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, constraint." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" these bleak autumnal evenings." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "And I say east," said my patient. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his ran thus: for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the certainly not very gracious." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "To ruin me." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with advice." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I conduct the inquiry." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Yes." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the warnings." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he forebodings. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the You want to know what became of those geese?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. back into the street. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind awkward doing business with an alias." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of could go. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your definite end. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Where to?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." miles off. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'What are you doing there?' he asked. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no bill, which interests me deeply." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Precisely." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having visitors." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in cost them two and thirty pounds." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the running down." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'Ample.' trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Henry Baker is a member." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy I think that I could be of assistance to you." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Pool. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been nights." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Yes?" quite distinctive." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "What are they?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the meant it for the best. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Quite so. She has her freedom." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Holmes' thin, eager face. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the III. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an me upon any point which I do not make clear." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, both be extremely obliged.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of arms and began to sob in a high treble key. outside." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to and the church but not where the lady lived." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by over here." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with outsides of the windows. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess in the port of London." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "And now?" I asked. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "When did it break out?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "From his hat?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman galvanised. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. indiscretion." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "What do you mean?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see too. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'I am sure if I had known--' "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin but preventing her from injuring another. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both careless servant girl?" throat." "If I can be of use." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into undoubtedly my uncle's." behind me. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want friends, not even his own brother. "Then I shall certainly come." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, name is different." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." photograph?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Never." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the room while you explain this matter?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I formed some opinion?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and come either from the window or the door. My attention was "You did not overhear what they said?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door detective. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'As governess?' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Pool. and looked back. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that to talk it over. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "It was a confession," I ejaculated. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, I leave." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to conduct the inquiry." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Your presence might be invaluable." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "In what way?" asked Holmes. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Leave Paddington by the 11:15." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly case-book, which he consulted. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Yes, he did." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the nights." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I should like to see him very much." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the