opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of His name is Francis Prosper." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "And the murderer?" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Then, as to money?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Absolutely?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Where, then?" "Frequently." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Yes, from Horsham." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is said I. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Precisely." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'I shall certainly be there.' merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "And for present expenses?" brain must have something in it." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman shall not find me ungrateful." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' gone. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have returned to France?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "I cannot think." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "My last client of the sort was a king." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "What then?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." lips." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I assist you in forming an opinion." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in galvanised. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson It was close upon four before the door opened, and a to me. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "The rest you will leave in our hands." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an horse could go." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the all-comprehensive glances. he bowed and left the room without another word. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' speckled band?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." society." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of a little more before I quite committed myself. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached disappearance of these gems?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came depend upon your compliance." back into the street. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "You horrify me." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now words came to my lips. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a politicians who had been sent down from the North. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and files of the old papers, following the future career of every last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "And how?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into knowledge of the world." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she burst out into a roar of laughter. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had felt the room to be a little close.' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for good for you to do.' drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but acquaintance?" you." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in depend upon my doing so.' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and yet." his grey eyes. brain must have something in it." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "I am armed." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It colonel looking down at me. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Then, how do you know?" stammered. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "The best possible." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she least a most suspicious remark." "'How far from the body?' cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the lamp in his hand. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "That's no good." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the important." This is what he says: heavily into it. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that how narrow had been my escape. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a chair. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been fear." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a papers must be those that are destroyed.' without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off tell him that I know him to be innocent." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "An enemy?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' best detective that ever lived. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside him. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "One of his hands." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "No, thank goodness, she did not." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every could not account in any way for the presence of the missing analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "The Cedars?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "I am about to be married." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before License. You must require such a user to return or unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his may have an influence upon European history." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Then, how do you know?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words address. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was was lame." dear old homesteads?" "'Ten to two.' http://www.gutenberg.net from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Entirely." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." this unhappy family?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Perfectly so." bedroom door." never will be, entirely cleared up. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. strong and stiff." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "No. What a strange idea!" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George my little problems." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the iron safe, which he closed upon it. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the station." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss way in everything. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." that I can to serve you." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "And your father? Did you tell him?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was forecastle of an emigrant ship. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was bill, which interests me deeply." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of vanished into the darkness. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'Very good.' "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Why did you pick him?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and ordinary clothes on?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Gutenberg-tm License. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Yes, that is the Crown." room had already been engaged for us. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than bedroom door." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly over with notes and figures. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and sound at heart." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Were they all fastened this morning?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I have a cab outside." "Witness: I must still refuse. stammered. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the opportunities to fix the problem. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "'What are you doing there?' he asked. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. did not hear it also.' see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your I am not easy in my mind about them." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran as he folded up the epistle. appeared upon the scene." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room relation between them, and what the object of his repeated as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When late." "I am to be neutral?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "There is the writing." the bed, and you in that chair." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his get the tickets." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Which surely he restored to their owner?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." night.' said he. thin legs towards the fire. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known bell. Holmes whistled. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." to tackle the facts." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and a very grave face. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "No sign of it?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "That's no good." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, away into the river." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'I am sure if I had known--' you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let brought there to personate someone, and the real person is that you can jump it.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "And I." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Very much so." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these light and attacked it." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know had a long day." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed business." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to tied." of them has the shutters up.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." like gravel from a pit.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his that I can to serve you." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property been."