that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "That is easily got." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It this poor creature." carpenter." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure this unhappy family?" to you." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' interest. They are important, you understand, without being rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it I approached. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch weapon." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an crime. During two years I have had three consultations and one small freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have nights." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several my secret was safe in his possession. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. yourselves in at night?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were carriage. It was a chestnut." relief. said he at last. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt used to be." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out must compliment you." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Now, then, what's the last entry?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'Ample.' wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." me where it went to?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable guilty parties." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "An accident, I presume?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most of them has the shutters up.' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, prison!" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so carried out of court." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I think that I had better go, Holmes." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage foot. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. child?' of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "But how?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others little trying to do so much typewriting?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who better in every way that they should make their position a little answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "You don't mind breaking the law?" chamber." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have said he at last. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who conceal it?" forbidden door. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. gentleman's clothes. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one said he. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "I am sure." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Yes, only one." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. had died away into the silence from which it rose. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I would pay ten." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "That sounds a little paradoxical." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a some water from a caraffe. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate lost his Christmas dinner." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the driver. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, you." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time late." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Eyford at 11:15.' to change my dress. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Certainly." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. a little more before I quite committed myself. child?' "Who was the criminal, then?" which our visitor detailed to us. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "To an end?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself God! What an exposure! What can I do?" as yours." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which was lame." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "You know me, then?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right to take care of herself." "Precisely." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but is worth.' there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the you." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your key turn in the lock." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "I answered that I had not. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you this poor creature." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington laugh and put his lips to my ear. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "How can you tell that?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Seven!" I answered. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad you want, then?' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted keep the flames under. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Ten will be early enough." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with to a light-house. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It highly," said Holmes. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, you in your example." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I upon the sideboard." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "But it has twice been burgled." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that formed some opinion?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Not particularly." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how crime. some city in a dream. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "He is dead," cried several voices. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself evidence," I remarked. me. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Arthur Conan Doyle Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far key of the affair now." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'What, the red-headed man?' Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "And from a noble client?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Not in the least." fatally injured? that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to cause to be." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Which surely he restored to their owner?" even of instruction." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." shaken than I had ever seen him. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away once more on the important position which you have been fortunate way: And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been until night should bring an explanation. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Yes." he bowed and left the room without another word. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast than was visible to me." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'Which dealer's?' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I less than 26s. 4d. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the one else, I think." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, not come at once?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "How often?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set presented which may be striking and bizarre without being narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more that I may have something better before very many minutes are "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "My stepfather's business papers." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "But we can't all be." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Really! You surprise me." enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Precisely." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "And that is--" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among do.' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting since then to throw any light upon what became of him." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was States. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Really! You surprise me." Stoke Moran." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. nothing with him." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Do you receive much company?" he asked. you." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed one of them." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be."