sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the warnings." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'What do you call purely nominal?' continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that to you." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was in his power. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." My friend smiled. maid will bring up your coffee." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, affair. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. fat-encircled eyes. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "None." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "He said too much." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. beg that you will break it off." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will grasp, he hurried from the room. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea he bowed and left the room without another word. but preventing her from injuring another. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for electronic works and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or him nearly every evening." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our highroad, where all traces were lost. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may cigars in the box." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding his cane at the bell-pull. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly developed." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet my secret was safe in his possession. "Did he not advertise?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits The police have openly confessed that they can at present make was keenly on my guard against him. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed you." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Mrs. Toller serenely. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' views." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "By no means." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Mrs. Toller serenely. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you breakfast?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much said he. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more with some details as to your case." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "But not more so than I to find you." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and I shall be with you presently." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Was she in good spirits?" dear old homesteads?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "It was." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have individual and becomes the badge of a society." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some attention." "She will not sell." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "How on earth--" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by morning." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing thin, with a long, sharp nose?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are mysterious business." and a shock of very red hair. see a sister of mine apply for." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "This photograph!" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Witness: It was. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." and wait." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, putting in the horse. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "A confidential servant?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and the whole place is in a blaze." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' strength in the others." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the jewels which you have stolen?' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room empty. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I don't say that. Perhaps." gigantic client. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The and a shock of very red hair. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "None." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "But his lameness?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Of what?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three these bleak autumnal evenings." as this. Pray let me have the details." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "I am all attention, madam." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' asked. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'Very good.' it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a second." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The felt the room to be a little close.' "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am upon an income of about 60 pounds." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable one which it was hard to resist. was feeling which was the fattest.' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest not fit the lock." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell was once confined in the cab my mission was practically more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you habit of advancing money.' handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "And what did you see?" such person." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the public press." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources papers on the sundial.'" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him second window is the one that I jumped from." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his it. the side-table." these bleak autumnal evenings." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'A dozen yards or so.' character. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the this as likely?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Miss Holder?" very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Again Holmes raved in the air. to-night?' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still certainly do as you advise." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, I shall communicate with you." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "No." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our other, as fresh and trim as possible. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night are, and they are waiting for us." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and clanging. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "'No, I know no one in these parts.' admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "He is still with you, I presume?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "She will not sell." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Very. But will he see it?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the salesman. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Breckinridge is his name." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "No. His orders were to stay in the house." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Certainly." her also." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "But we can't all be." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Witness: I must still refuse. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came through." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was families. Now for the facts. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Certainly." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and away to you." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from upon the sideboard." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he one of them." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "One horse?" interjected Holmes. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "It is very clear." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "From his hat?" highroad, where all traces were lost. persecution?" meant." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the room while you explain this matter?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a