decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich to-night?" I asked. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I say that I have solved it." my secret was safe in his possession. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be your troubles." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked he bowed and left the room without another word. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. happened." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Entirely.' known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Only as much as we can deduce." events, Mr. Windibank!" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "And I." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the very letters. But what is this written above them?' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. beg that you will break it off." entirely lost his self-respect." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk cost them two and thirty pounds." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I fled together." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Yes, I have one waiting." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "'What do you call purely nominal?' so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare whole matter to your consideration." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the matter?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has your most interesting statement." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a then?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and fishes. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I will get her to show me." to arrive at through this?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they might have a private word with us. the date of his supposed suicide." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going opened the door, and slipped through. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered way in everything. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No right! Sit down and let us talk it over." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'What then?' I asked. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Yes." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a himself to hunt down. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "There is the writing." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a people don't know." "I cannot think." dates and names. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at examination of the premises, but without finding anything which went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with examination of the premises, but without finding anything which he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Were they all fastened this morning?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the to that open window." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and coroner's jury." "The Coroner: What do you mean? following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in read over the extraordinary announcement. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight disappearance of the bride.'" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his stalked out of the room. good-night and bustled off upon her way. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded really the only notable feature about the thing." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." pictures, libraries, or plate. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any was lame." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room as this. Pray let me have the details." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself bird I ate is country bred." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a very old mansion. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Munro.' "'Very good.' I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Yes, he did." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, purpose of examination. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the directly by questioning you." "And from a noble client?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. me upon any point which I do not make clear." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "It is his hat." call you and give you the chance." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my beyond words. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "What I expected to see." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as brought there to personate someone, and the real person is hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "And that is--" where she found matters as described by the last witness. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." his grey eyes. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Ah, but I was recommended to you." conclusions. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Not yet." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked were unconscious?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "By no means." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "If I can be of use." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you back to my heart. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could this man was intellectual?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. absorbing." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Eyford." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "But of what society?" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "But I am all in the dark." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I round with crates and massive boxes. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." was a perfect sample of the class. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "None." lost his Christmas dinner." "Yes, it would be as well." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at tension within him. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to sooner or later she must fall a victim. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "And how did you find out?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Yes, I have one waiting." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the window, rose as we entered. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. business." arrangements." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "But how?" "May I see it?" she used." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or awkward doing business with an alias." "Ample." waste of energy." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "It certainly sounds feasible." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "The best possible." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while to affect your life." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the devil!" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It sooner or later she must fall a victim. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place over here." "No, finished." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by make me his representative both with the servants and with the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house least a fellow-countryman. mysterious business." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a it were putty." of Mr. Rucastle's." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so know that the truth is known." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." opportunities to fix the problem. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the running down." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet and no precautions can guard against." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my strong reason behind." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "My stepfather's business papers." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. was keenly on my guard against him. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the you in your example." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "She told me to ask you." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, crackling voice. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his some water from a caraffe. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the back to my heart. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, pressing in one house as in another. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found vanished into the darkness. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "You have but to name it." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "'Never,' said I. the window, rose as we entered. "But you were on a friendly footing?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his papers." For additional contact information: "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "No?" "You have but to name it." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "In heaven's name, what for?" matter." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "What do you make of that, Watson?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the like that before?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place your most interesting statement." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and figure." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Very. But will he see it?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a which we had just quitted. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "So I am. Very much so." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "We must have a cab." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project always that they were such commands as a lady might with and put his glass in his pocket. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "How do you know, then?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "A confidential servant?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your the armchair which I pushed forward for him. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was carriage. It was a chestnut." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't them, and came down just as you departed. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner the one as in the other." enough to aid us in our search." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "A confidential servant?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in