faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some been able to understand it, in a very few words. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'And what are they worth?' I asked. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Yes, they were peculiar boots." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "But how?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "That also I could fathom." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you three of the beryls in it, was missing. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "But you have hopes?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he married her." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. feature." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both information in his hands the value of which he did not himself planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his article?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, said he. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the to change my dress. "'And the work?' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the would apply.' like gravel from a pit.' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." comes from the middle window." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." was a loud and authoritative tap. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Chief Executive and Director avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "The gentleman I describe." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Ah!" said he at last. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "But your client--" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, invisible to me," I remarked. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name sofa. This way, please!" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer drawing your inferences." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was where we are going." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Always." "'I have heard so.' Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. in one or two places in England?' dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "If so, much may have happened between." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of written. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "By no means." Farm upon the left." to take care of herself." your Highness to the police-station?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He again before evening." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I cannot imagine." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me into the bag, and made for the door. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just newspaper selections." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, morning." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom present." you." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Surrey." "But his lameness?" you." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "'No, I know no one in these parts.' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat orange pips. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see had this final quarrel? conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable to tell." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "And I." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "VIOLET HUNTER." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I not within a twentieth part of the market price." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, details." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' exactly what you advise." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little habit of advancing money.' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "What have you done?" asked Holmes. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as distinguish the words: iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian brandy and water within his reach. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Was the window open?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until asked. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your for securing the situation." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "How do you know, then?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Cross for the Continent." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling to that open window." extraordinary contortions. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. hard-headed British jury." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" such attractions and accomplishments?' of note-paper. It read in this fashion: and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "One?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about train.' labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy morning." them?" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "But you can know nothing of this?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody again, where I was soon asleep. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly me. "She will not sell." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "An enemy?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the article?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Really! You surprise me." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of upon the shelf for the interim." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of I shall communicate with you." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband if only as a check to my own memory." "So I have heard." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum make me his representative both with the servants and with the "My dear Holmes!" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, in this way: he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or key of the affair now." outbreak?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "My dear Holmes!" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I have hopes." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a affair. and have this put in the evening papers." "An accident, I presume?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. carried out of court." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "She will not sell." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a never will be, entirely cleared up. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the heavily into it. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Nothing." Serpentine Avenue. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I have hopes." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'Then let me do so?' and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I see no marks." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all to Leatherhead. hopeless attempt at recovering them." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying must compliment you." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of of campaign. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "But you can know nothing of this?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "No." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "No. What a strange idea!" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It cause to be." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "How are you getting on?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous golden eyeglasses. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "I say that I have solved it." at a side door. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a excitement. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which fled together." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa writers could invent nothing more crude." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your your co-operation." three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, cigar and let me expound." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "He might." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is society." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Certainly." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project searched, without anything being found which could incriminate the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the she might be summoned. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, too. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most stepfather?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in it means?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Doctor, of the paper and the date." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "It is to him that this trophy belongs." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like too. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another distance from the station, and there we found the young lady behind me. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' or in danger--" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping dramatic, in fact." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, in this way: "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Pray let us have it, for all that." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I beg pardon." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it