at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he suspect him." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in desk. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "It is possible." business came to an end." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "9th. McCauley cleared. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at status with the IRS. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible gone before you can get him to hospital." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that highroad, where all traces were lost. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the coronet at all injured?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an pierced for earrings?" "A confidential servant?" "Witness: Nothing definite. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' absorbing." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, records." "Perfectly so." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram forehead. room?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Ample." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "And how have you succeeded?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the dangers which encompass me." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of again, where I was soon asleep. McCarthy's innocence. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had to talk it over. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace British peeress.'" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is question. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: is four-and-twenty." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice see me here to avoid scandal." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'Ten to two.' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the evidence," I remarked. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the upon the white wrist. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "And leave your case unfinished?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no becomes even more simple." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I see many objections to any such theory." "How often?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' laugh and put his lips to my ear. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, had picked up in the wood. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "What then?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a information in his hands the value of which he did not himself hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's indeed happy." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a late!' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a but preventing her from injuring another. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress lamp in his hand. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." know all about it," he snarled. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." matter." "She will not sell." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations fatally injured? had a long day." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself searched, without anything being found which could incriminate which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "I will do it." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable him, that man would not have given me such complete information he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "An accident, I presume?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage one of the states of the Union." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' which are rolled in Rotterdam." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical village inn over there?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a fait accompli?" "None." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Was there a secret marriage?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "We must sit without light. He would see it through the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "What I expected to see." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "No legal papers or certificates?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Street. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "On the contrary, this is the right side." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, letters?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. present." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Dr. Becher's." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in address. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas been able to understand it, in a very few words. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Your French gold?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Oh, the cause is excellent!" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow sound at heart." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the upon the shelf for the interim." other lovers by making love himself." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' dates and names. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Bought." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked suddenly upon us." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of from the brougham. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' fait accompli?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the was used.' so far?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question knowledge of the world." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a directors, with the result that you have seen." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative looking up at the numbers of the houses." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of do you make of it all?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "But the mystery?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of about. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught said he. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'Yes, I promise.' lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "'Ample.' which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Street. himself. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the little opening for the ventilator is." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Foundation husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "But what harm can there be in that?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know address. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when other, as fresh and trim as possible. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of campaign. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'Where could I find him?' "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the are windows in it, of course?" morning." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." from the brougham. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Then, as to money?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, do.' "I have hopes." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into you." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "No. His orders were to stay in the house." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the bled considerably." "I am in hopes that she does." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "My own seal." burst out into a roar of laughter. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to obstinate." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Ha! you find it so?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Not particularly." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Absolutely?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me details." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "He slept on the premises." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, it." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. charge against him will break down." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Dark enough and sinister enough." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the forehead. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross I shall communicate with you." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried as the one I chose?' Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I cannot imagine." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three swore that no one else had been in the front room during the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced and no precautions can guard against." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." should be so warm over such a trifle." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "You heard nothing yourself last night?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, obstinate." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the some city in a dream. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "And I to find an enemy." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Imitated." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "When did it break out?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "I cannot imagine." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me,