and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "But of what society?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "He might." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple reach." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" strong reason behind." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "They are typewritten," I remarked. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his matter over." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "But to whom?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Cross for the Continent." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "She will not sell." "No." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her experiences." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. said he. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Come in!" said Holmes. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Holmes." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this fish-monger and a tide-waiter." rat could hardly pass through." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'You cannot say what it was?' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution with the outside air!" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or me have 200 pounds?' investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There to his chemical studies. will be renamed. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I is acting for the best. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "He said too much." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, better in every way that they should make their position a little "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the coat-tails." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "It surprised me." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this here." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." I have it here in my museum." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "None." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "It was." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, in. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "We must have a cab." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be better in every way that they should make their position a little "This concluded the examination of the witness." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I was certainly surprised to find you there." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "It missed him, then?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Your sister is dead, then?" "What is it, then--a fire?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon McCarthy's innocence. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and you give your casting vote to?" "Is he quiet?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I shall most certainly do so." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." what these perils are?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. it. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," is acting for the best. Sholtos." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now better grown goose." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, upon the shelf for the interim." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to everything which you would wish to know." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my some mystery and the punishment of some crime." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Because he was handy and would come cheap." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." about here speaks of his kindness to him." Heh?' asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Again Holmes raved in the air. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." directors, with the result that you have seen." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Your French gold?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "To an English lawyer named Norton." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" forecastle of an emigrant ship. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and bears upon the case?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. the matter." papers diligently of late, have you not?" stepfather?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, will not take me long to tell. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about crackling voice. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said be best to do. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and an introduction to him?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "'I am sure that I do not know.' impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and laid it on the table. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." could not have written that. It is the German who is so letters?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'Certainly not.' ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these joking. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a way: that you can jump it.' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." death." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "One of his hands." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'And the work?' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very tail." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the morning and make my own way in the world.' me." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the hurried by. unclasping of his long thin hands. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE his forehead." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the walking." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Two days later this same performance was gone through under firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out prison!" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly not use it unless it is absolutely needed." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "And on what day did he meet his death?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. you?" ready to-morrow?' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the papers must be those that are destroyed.' purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking which our visitor detailed to us. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend families. Now for the facts. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'And the work?' Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I assure you that I am in your hands." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Precisely." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Eyford at 11:15.' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She perplexity from it to my illustrious client. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical own family. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." him and tried to hold him back. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might conceal it?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily that threaten you." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I say it is." "And your father? Did you tell him?" following enigmatical notices: "From his hat?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, what I may call a really hard day's work." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to man. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing my special province." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in man. I know him from the photograph." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to *** START: FULL LICENSE *** or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest photograph?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'About the same.' "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, charge against him will break down." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter suspect him." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "No, I am descending." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at you?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us unkempt, staring out at me. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "By all means." to that open window." British peeress.'" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way taking in every detail of the apartment. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be mystery." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I do." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Why, what do you mean?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Did you become engaged then?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "And why?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. question," said Holmes, smiling. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." against a man in the prime of life?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Yes." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Did your wife hear all this?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of http://www.gutenberg.net ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I things are very often connected not with the larger but with the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "What! Had he lost his wife?" me." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Surrey." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much likely to be some crony of the landlady's." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each in the dead of the night?' "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his disturbance in my wife." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "We must have a cab." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, me upon any point which I do not make clear." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Yes."