'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "My Mary? Impossible!" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Ah, but I was recommended to you." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "On the contrary, this is the right side." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the general public were present, then?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious served to weaken the effect. "A greater distance to travel." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Always." article?" "Seven!" I answered. when your master had gone out." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one better in every way that they should make their position a little upon the shelf for the interim." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" noble correspondent could be. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but tension within him. families. Now for the facts. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is depend upon your compliance." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and during which he might have communicated with his friend the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "It is solved." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey I took the paper from him and read as follows: he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "You forget that I know nothing about it." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the coronet in his hands?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I would pay ten." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried sake, don't!" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his open." bird I ate is country bred." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a heavily into it. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' night.' said he. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between quite distinctive." But Holmes shook his head gravely. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Holmes' room. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a extraordinary contortions. seem to you to be relevant or not." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "'And the work?' married her." "Her father is very rich?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Yes, sir." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it you." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "And what then?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." himself. excitement. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a The events in question occurred in the early days of my "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Dark enough and sinister enough." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" of Mr. Rucastle's." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations your billet.' together. asked. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Do you go out much in society?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only this poor creature." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my will he say when he returns?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was for its centre. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out are, and they are waiting for us." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's purpose equally well?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. and that he would see to anything that turned up. place no limit on the sum I may draw." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "No good news?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property weigh very heavily upon my conscience." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged trying to your nerves." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the ceiling. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, colour had been driven from his face. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, one of the states of the Union." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good she might be summoned. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, floor. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Ha! you find it so?" "Will you bet, then?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very delirious. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that what is your own theory as to what took place?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "What steps will you take?" I asked. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "I say it is." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some chemical work which was so dear to him. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." served to weaken the effect. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our enter Dr. Roylott's room." had picked up in the wood. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "What! Had he lost his wife?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. question. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "It is half-past ten now." know all about it," he snarled. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." wall." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the of Mr. Rucastle's." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and of your young ladies.' the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as are, I think, all that we need." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Ample." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "But how?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent will he say when he returns?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door your most interesting statement." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You memory. answered with a sidelong glance. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was sentimental considerations in the background which would induce me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "This concluded the examination of the witness." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "I am following you closely," I answered. "Bought." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "And it is--" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "How did you deduce the select?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I was used.' "Texas, I think." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the in this way: his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Leave Paddington by the 11:15." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling my friend's incisive reasoning. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Not yet." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Yes, from Horsham." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "What are they?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage goes." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or rooms." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small you want, then?' on in his house." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell disturbance in my wife." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I will do it." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks about here speaks of his kindness to him." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." there was no need for father to know." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion his fortune, and I went back to pa. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon for securing the situation." "'Ten to two.' him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face jewels which you have stolen?' game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her of his shoulders. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Heh?' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect this man was intellectual?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "No, but the enclosure is." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a soul! here is her carriage at the door." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "In what way?" asked Holmes. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" assist you in forming an opinion." "'There is a drive, then?' all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare night.' said he. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet business?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his developed." coat-tails." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "No legal papers or certificates?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I am about to be married." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Does that suggest anything?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "But what harm can there be in that?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the to surprise her." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Then I am your man." III. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the devil!" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see The events in question occurred in the early days of my zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel spare." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the you." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "But what will you do?"