one which it was hard to resist. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "We have tried and failed." But Holmes shook his head gravely. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not said Mr. Holder. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the you." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "So I am. Very much so." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "But you were on a friendly footing?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which man. I know him from the photograph." "'As governess?' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "And how did you find out?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "'Oh, no.' "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant mysterious end." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and other lovers by making love himself." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Here?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "But the mystery?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "I cannot think." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I redistribution. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its with you?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a happened." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I a monotonous occupation." formed some opinion?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "And leave your case unfinished?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Yes, that is the Crown." existence." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to your only hope of safety." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred out of this horrible affair." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he maid will bring up your coffee." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "'In my own bureau.' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so showing my impatience. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I was shining brightly. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "And sit in the dark?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked during that time.' Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Yes, certainly." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to you." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second mystery!" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you lectures into a series of tales." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but in his hands." "Have you her photograph?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Where does the thing come from?' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "And why?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have definite end. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Did you observe the colour?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Yes." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "And Irene Adler?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if http://www.gutenberg.net this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "What will you say?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "None. Neville wrote those words." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Very murderous indeed." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, sake, don't!" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling cigars in the box." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have photograph?" mysterious end." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight chambers. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We sentimental considerations in the background which would induce pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "9th. McCauley cleared. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook your billet.' "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "And sit in the dark?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. upon the shelf for the interim." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view minor matters until to-morrow." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' indeed which he could not unravel. anything to do with the matter?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "'There is a drive, then?' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a it right.' "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, and I shall be with you presently." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Why serious?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough read it out to me." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, you understand?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have chambers. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have which are rolled in Rotterdam." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which good-night and bustled off upon her way. leaning back in his chair. States. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the roots. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted begin with, and I had not got mine yet." lips." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Only as much as we can deduce." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Eyford." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well will find little credit to be gained out of this case." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he noise which awoke you from your sleep?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the I am not easy in my mind about them." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she your co-operation." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred fuss that is made over them." read it out to me." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a is so. I know all about McCarthy." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Mary, has deserted me." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "But what will you do?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "I guessed as much." "I answered that I had not. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue with the outside air!" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that it." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the dangers which encompass me." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Has he come with you to-night?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy me where it went to?" within hail.' Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been of your young ladies.' perplexity from it to my illustrious client. ran thus: might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I think it very unlikely." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine to take care of herself." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "My Mary? Impossible!" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "And how?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened silent! Oh, he will be silent!' upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be is worth.' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss chance." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Mary, has deserted me." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the armchair which I pushed forward for him. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at amused." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post her also." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "My dear Holmes!" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "You have it, sir, just as it happened." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her there was no need for father to know." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. had formerly been in part my own. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "But who is he?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something looking up at the numbers of the houses." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Deserted you?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Heh?' ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the people don't know." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "From his hat?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I have seen the police." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the mystery." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "What do you make of that, Watson?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' strong reason behind." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "The landlord of the Alpha." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Yes, only one." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of your billet.' seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let said he. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid pound a week." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." legal crime." cigars in the box." "I have a cab outside." matter." I nodded to show that I had heard. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite ways of our fellow-men." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Indeed! Whose, then?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "How about poison?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." foresight and the moral retrogression?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the