was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always forbidden door. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Perhaps I have." "And that is--" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his used to be." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" him to go away.' papers." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Have you her photograph?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do stalked out of the room. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've next day. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. McCarthy's innocence. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." spare." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "What I expected to see." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Cross for the Continent." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "What steps will you take?" I asked. "It certainly sounds feasible." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I do." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while will take you up to see the machine.' horse could go." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but mysterious business." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the go from here to the Strand." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I should wish to." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Yes, from Horsham." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" you for a few hours?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "And what did you see?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "9th. McCauley cleared. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy lids now and glanced across at his visitor. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and that you saw all that I did." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be foresight and the moral retrogression?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "The knees of his trousers." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets my room." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to done what I asked you, Jones?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do and all of them with the keenest interest. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money in a very precise fashion." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Very murderous indeed." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Nothing?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Holmes' face clouded over. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop national property. I was determined that the law should have its "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I think that I had better go, Holmes." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do 'I should be able to look after that for you.' having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we them?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'Where to?' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it crime. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well money should be paid at once.' multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or with some details as to your case." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Yes." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had in. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Not I." me. You must get home instantly and act." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "The Coroner: What do you mean? "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it gone. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with kindly on the shoulder. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and electronic works wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still he bowed and left the room without another word. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, papers diligently of late, have you not?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I green of the new foliage. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is you in your example." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' stood on the top of it. "'I have already given you my word.' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, shaken than I had ever seen him. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the coronet at all injured?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then copied or distributed: appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily unkempt, staring out at me. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Did you observe the colour?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more What do you deduce from it?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which 'please.'" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Nothing." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "'I have heard so.' strode off upon his way. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "You forget that I know nothing about it." it were putty." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the one as in the other." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." back into the street. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I beg pardon." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense examine." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and must compliment you." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Here?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "That is easily got." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "No more words. Get out!" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the Assizes." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "9th. McCauley cleared. sound at heart." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Of what day?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made strong reason behind." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I good for you to do.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I assure you that I am in your hands." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and to tackle the facts." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the disturbance in my wife." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Where is it, then?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little mystery may be cleared along those lines." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept character. it." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you occupations.' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Perhaps we may make them less so." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "What?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Sutherland?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case my secret was safe in his possession. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. take the flies, but not before." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Yes, certainly." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set your equipment. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman and I shall be with you presently." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Well, some hundreds of times." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. behind me. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a The police have openly confessed that they can at present make who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very that, and I came down." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few money should be paid at once.' could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. shoulder; "he's all right." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "There is the writing." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "It is true that I have been generally successful." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take yourselves in at night?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his client, rising. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you brandy and water within his reach. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power results." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." father's place of business?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort upon an income of about 60 pounds." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Then the page we have seen--" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had direction." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "You know me, then?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "What?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own take the flies, but not before." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of was a loud and authoritative tap. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a without success. At last the little money which I had saved began bonnet, and went out." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "But I am all in the dark." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. presume?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the such person." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you