here." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "No, I had a dozen." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out read over the extraordinary announcement. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, could go. one of the states of the Union." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Of what day?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's business came to an end." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the ceiling. "'I shall certainly be there.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now prove to be little relation between the different incidents of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently started for the Temple to see my husband. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked to that open window." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, you." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Whose house is it?" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Yes." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to and glanced through. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence examination of the premises, but without finding anything which used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is points in connection with it which never have been, and probably should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. lost his Christmas dinner." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Not I." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not of receipt of the work. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Oh, yes, easily." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes place of silver." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "And you can do nothing until then?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Then, how do you know?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known prove to be little relation between the different incidents of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" with the outside air!" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as is worth.' "No." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime will take you up to see the machine.' "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those in this note: the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. fashion which was peculiar to him. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me details." "'What, the red-headed man?' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Well, it is a possible supposition." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the absorbing." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it records." "I am still in the dark." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "And you thought he was pulled back?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by outside." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did never came back." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the so-precious time, but come!' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "That is unusual in a young girl." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at fact, we may call it conclusive." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "But the mystery?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." business at Coburg Square is serious." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. had picked up in the wood. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Your presence might be invaluable." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of formed some opinion?" "Why? What do you mean?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of have accepted such a situation. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a you in yours." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, mystery may be cleared along those lines." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that impression behind it as though a window had gently closed his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and the little opening for the ventilator is." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely evidence," I remarked. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up gone before you can get him to hospital." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the nursery. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here writing, and yet I know it well." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Where did he live, then?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Precisely so. But how--" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I would give my fortune to have them back." weighed down with some great anxiety. death." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "9th. McCauley cleared. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in feature." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the be best to do. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Why serious?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. papers diligently of late, have you not?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere electronic works "I promise," said Holmes. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Was your sister dressed?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one happened." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little look upon these things in a different way." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come crime. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "He disappeared so suddenly." bears upon the case?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those intimate personal affairs in this public manner." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Sutherland?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have of the efforts of the United States government and of the better places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very round with crates and massive boxes. "And your mother is alive?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the house with me." gigantic client. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not main points of my analysis." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could six. Come in!" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "In heaven's name, what for?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, http://gutenberg.net/license). experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to Leatherhead. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short chamber." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the not fit the lock." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated fat-encircled eyes. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the night.' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still face and glided from the room. hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'Yes, it was gone.' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I have seen the police." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a pound a week." noble correspondent could be. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your It was close upon four before the door opened, and a foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "What do you make of that, Watson?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal gbnewby@pglaf.org On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she matter over." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by written, and locked the door of the office after me. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We here." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Do you go out much in society?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "How did you deduce the select?" "Get out!" said he. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable breakfast?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, reach." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "It came here." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all peculiar to him. "At the wedding breakfast." wife's character?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Munro.' with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "No bad?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure roused himself from his reverie. "Yes, that is the Crown." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that him to be an active member of the medical profession." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address is," said he presently: "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Quite so. She has her freedom." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I was mad--insane." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet populous neighbourhood." rooms." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "In answer to an advertisement." locked. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. used to be." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "And what then?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Leave Paddington by the 11:15." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Get out!" said he. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in respectable self." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "You have carte blanche." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I shall be delighted." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything