right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well get the tickets." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "A client, then?" 'please.'" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were legal crime." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "My last client of the sort was a king." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an heavy and sharp instrument." "How did you trace it, then?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are of fine shops and stately business premises that they really trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "No." "Pray do so." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little again on its way. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of one which it was hard to resist. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "And your mother is alive?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." fishes. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Then what has happened to him?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a there has been an enclosure here!" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For detained." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "It missed him, then?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "No. His orders were to stay in the house." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came notes," he said. My friend smiled. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my followed. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in answer." III. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the coroner come to?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was despair." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone hereditary King of Bohemia." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The carriage. It was a chestnut." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: train.' he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about You can understand that this register and diary may implicate hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "What, then?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the coronet at all injured?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'A dozen yards or so.' "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." as he folded up the epistle. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Yes, that is the Crown." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Yes, that is the Crown." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All begin with, and I had not got mine yet." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative results." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire his huge brown hands. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to this as likely?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend you?' colour had been driven from his face. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the man. I know him from the photograph." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to morning." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window help us in this matter." present." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "To the police?" undoubtedly my uncle's." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had could gather together that I was able to avert another public his eyes and forehead. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, power." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened here and I will read it to you: careless servant girl?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Always." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "She showed me, as I told you she would." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there green of the new foliage. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up have established a very serious case against the son of the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "No bad?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." asked. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We manager. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." have an American origin." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Yes." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not lips." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. official police." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so his grey eyes. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow have not had my rubber." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" leave you to your papers for a little." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect anything to do with the matter?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "By all means." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "There are none." me where it went to?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were and the colonel ushered me in. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had your own bird, so if you wish--" and all of them with the keenest interest. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never bed dies. Does not that strike you?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." would apply.' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you get her out of the way." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Not him." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a photograph?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "My dear Holmes!" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, him!" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and him and tried to hold him back. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and looked back. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you reach." be. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a habit of advancing money.' the devil!" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE was feeling which was the fattest.' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you it." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps your co-operation." companion imperturbably. happened." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Won't it ring?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents certainly not very gracious." "In the cells." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, and wait." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! keep the flames under. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was I leave." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had records." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Come in!" said Holmes. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one upon a handsome competence. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Not in a good cause." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "And is that all?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon lost nothing by them." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel a little more before I quite committed myself. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he minor matters until to-morrow." Gutenberg-tm License. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You both be extremely obliged.' however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Watson," he said cordially. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "He said too much." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'Oh, no.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to upon an income of about 60 pounds." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." think that any burglar could have done. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through deduce something from that?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such there in twenty minutes." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Yes, but only for you and me." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project your most interesting statement." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; not interfere, come what may. You understand?" read it out to me." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Really! You surprise me." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were best detective that ever lived. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest quickly through a disagreeable task. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project foresight and the moral retrogression?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the note?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office nothing with him." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for fishes. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend fattened it expressly for you.' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, appointment with me for six o'clock?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Witness: I must still refuse. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off my former friend and companion. done what I asked you, Jones?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. cigars in their mouths. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close place no limit on the sum I may draw." tension within him. "Imitated." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "How can you tell that?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and works. See paragraph 1.E below. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the views." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Yes, it was twisted." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet 1.E.9. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, used to be." feature." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the ceiling. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Which surely he restored to their owner?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the running down." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand dates and names. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and imbecility!" he cried. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp of it with the greatest attention. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic to that open window." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce promised to bring home. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "You will not go there first?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel persecution?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to daring than any effort of the imagination." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Married! When?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Ah!" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and is now desirous of getting those letters back." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with back into the street. "Stoke Moran?" said he.