that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Ample." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to maid will bring up your coffee." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle learned something! Where are the gems?" bird I ate is country bred." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." client, rising. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Indeed! Whose, then?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a wedding?" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were like gravel from a pit.' "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and purpose of examination. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." which we had just quitted. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "One of the highest in England." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered possible that we could bring him back to her? observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who know all about it," he snarled. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice one else, I think." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly I. joking. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies like that before?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. undoubtedly my uncle's." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. enter Dr. Roylott's room." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "He disappeared so suddenly." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "I will try. What is it?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'A dozen yards or so.' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat in a very precise fashion." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my keep the flames under. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "'A dozen yards or so.' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite clang of the bell. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been became a certainty. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Pool. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so memory. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "How can you tell that?" companion imperturbably. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for floor. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his amused." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'Then let me do so?' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too as he remarks, very much against the son." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my The telegram which we eventually received came late one night outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Then I do not see the point." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he 11:15.' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Why did you beat the pavement?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast me have 200 pounds?' your bag." thin legs towards the fire. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will of." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. a monotonous occupation." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, a little more before I quite committed myself. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "What are they?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "It came here." chance at all." "I am to be neutral?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." writer." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Yesterday." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could have established a very serious case against the son of the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand views." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to cigars in their mouths. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew used to be." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in good-night and bustled off upon her way. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'Where could I find him?' generous with you in money matters.' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" eat it." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I just called myself is not exactly my own." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." II. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, relief. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Arthur Conan Doyle she slowly sank and died without having recovered her To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the roots. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'And what are they worth?' I asked. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw other lovers by making love himself." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity telegram would bring me down to your help." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I don't believe it." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the humiliation." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Yes, I have one waiting." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "The decline of his fortunes, then?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear been deceived." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." if only as a check to my own memory." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "What office?" time." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "And it is--" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a see a sister of mine apply for." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Why? What do you mean?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this 11:15.' was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Nearly eleven." "Where did he live, then?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was went to the Alpha were town bred." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. room. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "That is unusual in a young girl." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. when you have done it." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which bed dies. Does not that strike you?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those means taking possession of that which another person has a prior heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began invisible to me," I remarked. and inquire as to the address." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name official police." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Entirely." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" and the whole place is in a blaze." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "What do you make of that, Watson?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at amused." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" out of this horrible affair." "She told me to ask you." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point been shamefully used." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be you?" "She will not sell." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the little opening for the ventilator is." "That sounds a little paradoxical." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before bell. Holmes whistled. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing conclusions. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. know all about it," he snarled. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Pope's Court, Fleet Street." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, to that open window." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its once more for Briony Lodge. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a to miss it." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to to his chemical studies. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of fluttered off among the others. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered which was all perfectly true. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Not yet." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew learned something! Where are the gems?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was was not a bird to be seen there. third from London." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was to a light-house. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold