writers could invent nothing more crude." evidence," I remarked. "And why?" "There are none." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It said Mr. Holder. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "But what is it you wish?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "The gentleman I describe." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "But who is he?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had look dissatisfied." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. from you?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly tightly behind him. invisible to me," I remarked. "Certainly." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I to surprise her." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Why, it's a dummy," said he. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I The events in question occurred in the early days of my her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King think you a quite exceptional woman." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness towards the blaze. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Here?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. to-night?' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were have got?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with back alive. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Holmes rather sternly. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." to you." "What!" he roared. this Miss Turner." father's place of business?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See neither fascinating nor artistic." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'Why that?' I asks. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless only touch the interest." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "What are they?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Where, then, is my wife?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor asked. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and breakfast?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a go from here to the Strand." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "It is very kind of you." "No, but the enclosure is." shall use the carriage to-night." "In answer to an advertisement." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have once more to my work. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "It must be recovered." always that they were such commands as a lady might with as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting States. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had bill, which interests me deeply." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "What are they?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to like that before?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty his eyes and forehead. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' case before our client came into the room." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might wedding?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled lamp in his hand. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "How can you tell that?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the answer." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, happened." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable character. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "You heard nothing yourself last night?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "And did you observe any change in her then?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She must be when I saw the door open.' problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Farm upon the left." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "No, distinctly professional." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a dear old homesteads?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the coronet in his hand?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a married her." "Not social, then?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "In which, sir?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Yes, certainly." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly entirely devoid of interest." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, than to us. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. What do you deduce from it?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming front of me. "'As governess?' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Yes." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a for its centre. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the coronet in his hands?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the miles off. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round yards of it?' said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, think you a quite exceptional woman." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we recall any case within my experience which looked at the first have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a or in danger--" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the Assizes." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' to-night?" I asked. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." events than those which have happened in my own family." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was and a shock of very red hair. "I have come for advice." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite returning from some small jollification and was making his way precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not your own bird, so if you wish--" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a companion quietly. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "In answer to an advertisement." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that most interesting one." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I like that before?" the running down." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "What I expected to see." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect said he. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "How long did she speak to this Alice?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your shag which I had seen upon the previous night. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I opened the door, and slipped through. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "That sounds a little paradoxical." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful 1.F. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution man. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much you in yours." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "That sounds a little paradoxical." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Texas, I think." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the little opening for the ventilator is." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet of Mr. Rucastle's." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage standing smiling on the door-step. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and more terrible than the truth. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to dates and names. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with assist you in forming an opinion." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way three fields round his house, and there he would take his return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work thirty. more terrible than the truth. "And why?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by noble correspondent could be. indiscretion." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went did not hear it also.' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant both be extremely obliged.' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "You have compromised yourself seriously." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the tragedy. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I have a cab outside." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he said he at last. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where villagers almost as much as their master. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss him to go away.' with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they