"What are they?" hurried away. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we business matters.' spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Nothing?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'Why that?' I asks. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Yes?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "It surprised me." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may it right.' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were stammered. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "And now?" I asked. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a as he folded up the epistle. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a our word." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, get the tickets." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was approach us with offers to donate. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain to that open window." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major had this final quarrel? deduce something from that?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "His face fell immediately. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully lips." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, said he. "'Quite sure, dad.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in remarked. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "He said too much." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "'Why that?' I asks. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" of a light. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "If I can be of use." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent client, rising. meant." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I considering the formidable letters which were received by himself what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long certainly not very gracious." "She told me to ask you." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that union?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the words came to my lips. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'Certainly,' I answered. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm morning." appeared upon the scene." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." it." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "I saw her in conversation with her maid." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar followed. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set one of the states of the Union." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. that?' train from Paddington which would bring you there at about maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "No, I am descending." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "You think that he is dead?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. page at http://pglaf.org were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "'Certainly not. But why?' one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how call for protection in the marriage market, for the present assist you in forming an opinion." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "She will not sell." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that closely." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty fluttered off among the others. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was morning." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a weary and pale-looking. of them has the shutters up.' looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very your co-operation." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not happened." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond trying to your nerves." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Why did you pick him?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'Is 4 pounds a week.' direction." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was think you a quite exceptional woman." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this his face. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding right! Sit down and let us talk it over." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can lumber-room." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "But you have hopes?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in of the efforts of the United States government and of the better appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, will not take me long to tell. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Then you may be so with me." "But she will refuse." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in less than 26s. 4d. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's formed some opinion?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But could gather together that I was able to avert another public "I don't believe it." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the you." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I answered that I had not. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Yes." "That was it, sir." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we your billet.' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "This photograph!" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's said Mr. Holder. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'Why that?' I asks. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "It is possible." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and went to the Alpha were town bred." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, of Fenchurch Street." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, and a shock of very red hair. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was one of them." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I happened." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'Yes, I promise.' "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Come in!" said he. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem woven round him. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "BALLARAT." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." and effective." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway if only as a check to my own memory." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his forehead." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George were wasted." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about fishes. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the never to learn it at all." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "You have carte blanche." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "And it is--" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "And it is--" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a was a perfect sample of the class. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the washing it down with a long draught of water. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "'There is a drive, then?' providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was point our research must commence, and we will begin it by fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid forbidden door. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the wedding?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my have accepted such a situation. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was business?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I was sure that I might rely on you." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions outsides of the windows. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "You heard nothing yourself last night?" joking. felt the room to be a little close.' single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the union?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in presented more singular features than that which was associated all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Yes, at the mines." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Nothing?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower about. matter." had this final quarrel? "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, hardly wander." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the Red-headed League." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "My private note-paper." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Arthur Conan Doyle beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, call the police, let the police find what they can.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "I am following you closely," I answered. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. would then never go into court at all." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, of them has the shutters up.' some terrible trap for her." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "No. What a strange idea!" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I don't believe it." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Have you her photograph?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and