business matters.' ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Not in the least." security.' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross that he will be back before evening." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might public press." have established a very serious case against the son of the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out because she had spent so short a time in this country that she her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had records." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Bought." "Game for a morning drive?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Watson," he said cordially. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No experiences." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms vanished into the darkness. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project sound at heart." "But it has twice been burgled." both be extremely obliged.' "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of murdered man." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from to have been novel and of interest." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried bird I ate is country bred." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "A client, then?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature him to go away.' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Could he throw no light?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of cigars in their mouths. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may me, and I could not think that his explanation of the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if villagers almost as much as their master. followed. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" I shall communicate with you." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated it? Did I buy the geese off you?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Proceed, then." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. it right.' I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I cannot say that I have." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between The King stared at him in amazement. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. have an American origin." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "But he might be a bachelor." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the is," said he presently: "Well." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "That was it, sir." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the driver. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Why serious?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" to some other building. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I am not easy in my mind about them." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul His name is Francis Prosper." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try once more for Briony Lodge. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her was a loud and authoritative tap. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes seven miles from Eyford Station.' stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a was a perfect sample of the class. His smile broadened. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as again." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "May I see it?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet not personally threatened." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "But how did you gain them?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "You don't mind breaking the law?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Mary, has deserted me." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of unprofitable." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. points to suicide?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must pound a week." The King stared at him in amazement. into the bag, and made for the door. "By no means." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a there." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Certainly, madam." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in any more." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the said he. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Where is it, then?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, I shall continue with my miserable story. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to nonsense.' us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'Yes, it was gone.' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the best of training." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had weapon." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "So it appears." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "In the cells." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Only as much as we can deduce." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the your room." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a tell him that I know him to be innocent." entirely lost his self-respect." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "No." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a bachelor.' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. matters immensely." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing discontent upon his features. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Heh?' the morning and make my own way in the world.' at my remark. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "How did that help you?" the ceiling. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss becomes even more simple." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see heavily into it. depend upon my doing so.' month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which to surprise her." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "That is also quite modern," said the lady. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." light and attacked it." "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Where, then, is my wife?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I am all attention, madam." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance details." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Nothing." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "But you were on a friendly footing?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Never." cup of tea. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her the address that was given us in the advertisement. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Was the window open?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Yes, from Horsham." "Yes. He waved his hands." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in quickly through a disagreeable task. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Holmes' face clouded over. "'Ample.' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and to some other building. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Mrs. Toller serenely. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "What office?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the gone. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "No, my brougham is waiting." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "But how will you look?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they my special province." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in know what is wrong with it.' looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black to change my dress. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "There are none." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the child?' Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Never." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and manager. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "The King of Scandinavia." there has been an enclosure here!" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the whole matter to your consideration." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he take the flies, but not before." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'I have already given you my word.' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works it right.' "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I feature." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his indeed which he could not unravel. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be take the flies, but not before." "But your client--" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Bought." What do you deduce from it?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'I am sure that I do not know.' was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, manager. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can cheerful." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, room?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather sit on the left-hand side of the driver." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "And why in hopes?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came directly by questioning you." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said of campaign. views." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "If I can be of use." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I cannot imagine." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a sound at heart." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as