this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if key turn in the lock." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "No good news?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Yes, it was twisted." lost his Christmas dinner." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of father's young wife. "'Certainly not. But why?' "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be been anything against him. He had for years been known as a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do feature." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington was already answered. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "And how did you verify them?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. to miss it." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I am sure." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes there!' other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you bell. Holmes whistled. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I was afraid that you were engaged." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the where we are going." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "And help." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical of the one which your family is now devouring." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "How did he come?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular one which it was hard to resist. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Yes, only one." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' think you a quite exceptional woman." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it appeal." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "No." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "That is not always so easy." you in yours." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and put his glass in his pocket. learned something! Where are the gems?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "'Then let me do so?' one else, I think." place of silver." I shall communicate with you." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I have solved it." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. to-night." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This come either from the window or the door. My attention was unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Nothing." lost nothing by them." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my I. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and noise which awoke you from your sleep?" clanging. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece case-book, which he consulted. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "But his left-handedness." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of gives a meaning to it." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything get the tickets." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman murdered man." acquaintance?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how nothing with him." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another your billet.' have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Pray tell us what has happened to you." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Well?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, said he. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country happened." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and crime. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. all-comprehensive glances. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that bearing upon the case." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. delirious. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against my former friend and companion. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "It came here." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to over here." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "How do you know, then?" "And why in hopes?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George me." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "It must be recovered." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. you understand?" "9th. McCauley cleared. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "In San Francisco, a year ago." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "But to whom?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the Assizes." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "So I have heard." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was done what I asked you, Jones?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this introspective fashion. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, open." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' situation." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our http://www.gutenberg.net fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he miles off. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a me have 200 pounds?' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the best of training." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "'Yes, it was gone.' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all back alive. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "It is very clear." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which attention." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' questioning and rather startled gaze. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case to you." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. to-night?" I asked. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your photograph?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a to have been novel and of interest." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that showing my impatience. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "At the wedding breakfast." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always certainly do as you advise." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my of note-paper. It read in this fashion: There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the one as in the other." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to call it cruel." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine manager. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be window when the police appeared." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two me where it went to?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' at a side door. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his know what is wrong with it.' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant out of this horrible affair." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work corner of the building. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built shaken than I had ever seen him. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some a suggestive one." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "VIOLET HUNTER." "Where, then?" see a sister of mine apply for." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to companion. night.' said he. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "No." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Miss Holder?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Stoke Moran." "In heaven's name, what for?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight introspective fashion. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten hereditary King of Bohemia." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to is," said he presently: "I am still in the dark." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "He said that you could solve anything." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you His smile broadened. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Yes, but only for you and me." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed guilty parties." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an generous with you in money matters.' if only as a check to my own memory." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness conclusions. depend upon your compliance." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "What, then?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any DISSOLVED. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "How did that help you?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'As governess?' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and name is different." invisible to me," I remarked. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the sneer upon his pale face. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton for securing the situation." the room while you explain this matter?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Can I be of assistance?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Perhaps I have." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in as yours." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "But he might be a bachelor." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the coronet in his hands?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for little adventures." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded which it had come upon my father." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." examine." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "But to whom?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without This is what he says: family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" observed. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and this remarkable episode. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right for the market.' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this disturbance in my wife." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "But the mystery?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled not come at once?" "Get out!" said he. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "The murder was done with it." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. speckled band?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Won't it ring?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I was mad--insane." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the