My friend smiled. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Yes, it would be as well." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me any little problem which you may submit to me." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "How many? I don't know." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some becomes even more simple." dates and names. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." if only as a check to my own memory." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "What! You do not mean bodies?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day three fields round his house, and there he would take his business in the City. She little knew what. closely." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in for securing the situation." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "This concluded the examination of the witness." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand go from here to the Strand." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Won't it ring?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss prepare for the new role I have to play." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even where we are going." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone conduct the inquiry." "What will you do, then?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Yesterday." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Proceed, then." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'About the same.' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was me what he had done with the three missing stones. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his said I. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Then, how do you know?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my companion. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after narrative." "I have a cab outside." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles them?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public hands. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" it with his own hands." friends, not even his own brother. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Was there a secret marriage?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the learned something! Where are the gems?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "We have tried and failed." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "He is still with you, I presume?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so death." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I don't believe it." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a best detective that ever lived. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do I shall communicate with you." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would window when the police appeared." just called myself is not exactly my own." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, DISSOLVED. out." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "And I to find an enemy." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I guilty one." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to with some details as to your case." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. have had none more fantastic than this." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did a room. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "If so, much may have happened between." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the know that the truth is known." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the papers diligently of late, have you not?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I acted in my house last night?" words came to my lips. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the coroner come to?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the obstinate." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "But how?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious never will be, entirely cleared up. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until south, for the country is more deserted there." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I say it is." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "But what is it you wish?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands jewels which you have stolen?' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is sake, don't!" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you very peculiar words of the dying woman?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Precisely." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" I. said I. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I fat-encircled eyes. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I himself in a perplexing position. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. forebodings. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. father's young wife. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little noise which awoke you from your sleep?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told horse could go." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "My Mary? Impossible!" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "I will try. What is it?" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His have one." "One of the highest in England." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yes, the wine-cellar." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six your co-operation." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and the whole place is in a blaze." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for questionable one." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Where does the thing come from?' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Ha! you find it so?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' client, rising. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Nothing." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her been deceived." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how gone before you can get him to hospital." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against wanted for ourselves." "I do." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "If I can be of use." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." most interesting one." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a secret." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he guilty one." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, that I am arrested." http://gutenberg.net/license). young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "His face fell immediately. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" crime. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the take the flies, but not before." "So I have heard." you in yours." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "That is possible." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the down. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "He said too much." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so to have that photograph." mysterious end." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to becomes even more simple." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel purpose of examination. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored opportunities to fix the problem. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the becomes even more simple." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, should be so warm over such a trifle." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Dr. Becher's." with some details as to your case." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Is he quiet?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Not him." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "But I have heard all that you have heard." in a very precise fashion." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" humiliation." "'Where could I find him?' into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I am sure." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, writing, and yet I know it well." "Won't it ring?" "Perhaps I have." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. closely." clang of the bell. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their you found me to-night--and running through the front room she seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project room?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it and have this put in the evening papers." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "So I have heard." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the date of his supposed suicide." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here.