adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." leaning back in his chair. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Could he throw no light?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said thin legs towards the fire. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Pray do so." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free one of the states of the Union." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt on in his house." "'I am sure if I had known--' the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." father's place of business?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is him." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the room while you explain this matter?" that you can jump it.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out him." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was jewels which you have stolen?' "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having hurried away. "You have but to name it." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "We have tried and failed." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "That also I could fathom." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms presented more singular features than that which was associated at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the other, as fresh and trim as possible. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with late!' "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at morning." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable his knees, staring into the fire. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Yes." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and might have a private word with us. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." more terrible than the truth. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Your French gold?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "But how did you gain them?" business at Coburg Square is serious." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "'Is 4 pounds a week.' freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Yes, there are nearly always some there." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her that, and I came down." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly memory. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and to miss it." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the hour." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Yes." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible disturbance in my wife." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these made his money." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." is four-and-twenty." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may house for five minutes.' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as brought there to personate someone, and the real person is bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case pictures, libraries, or plate. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could upon the white wrist. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "An enemy?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Upon what point?" "Did he not advertise?" ceremony." purpose of examination. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is have one." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a are, and they are waiting for us." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the have one." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working tell me that you intended to go into harness." families. Now for the facts. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey visitors." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk it." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the Assizes." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at as the one I chose?' down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I shall be delighted." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" again." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming away into the river." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions tied." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "But he might be a bachelor." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray dear old homesteads?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." I leave." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "A thing like a cleaver," said he. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes laugh and put his lips to my ear. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of bird I ate is country bred." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Why, what do you mean?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie go back?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors have been better. It is all right." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few correct than the official force." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading been shamefully used." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain third from London." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Murdered?" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to electronic works which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "But not more so than I to find you." "Nothing." any." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and I approached. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass detective. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "But what will you do?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands indeed which he could not unravel. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the night.' About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "On the contrary, this is the right side." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of in one or two places in England?' Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "That was it, sir." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" prepare for the new role I have to play." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest shall use the carriage to-night." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" time." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years hopeless attempt at recovering them." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was lectures into a series of tales." grasp, he hurried from the room. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his province." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." But Holmes shook his head gravely. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down and looked back. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a have one." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "What! a murderous attack?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "From his hat?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'Certainly,' I answered. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias flock.' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Precisely." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "On your arm?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "That's no good." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and spark where all is dark to me." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend directors, with the result that you have seen." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Nothing?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "It is very clear." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Yes." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then question," said Holmes, smiling. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is room. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might night.' said he. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you of a light. "She walked into the breakfast-room." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now depend upon my doing so.' papers must be those that are destroyed.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, hardly wander." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "And from a noble client?" was not a bird to be seen there. people don't know." long narrative. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Witness: It was. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing disappearance of these gems?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "No bad?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. indeed happy." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in humiliation." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "No." extraordinary contortions. Foundation "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an yet." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features one's self under obligations.' "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was bears upon the case?" "Quite so." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "By all means." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding seem to you to be relevant or not." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave returned to France?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the inquest, and which are worth considering." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in