Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "He is dead," cried several voices. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "And you don't know his address?" case-book, which he consulted. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all key turn in the lock." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about this Miss Turner." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, October 9, 1890. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it flock.' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "But we can't all be." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "In the cells." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'Ten to two.' across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two ordinary clothes on?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may as this. Pray let me have the details." John Swain, of St. Augustine. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Certainly." "Pray continue your narrative." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg likely to be some crony of the landlady's." will not take me long to tell. of this gang." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! have an American origin." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "One?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "'Entirely.' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." with the outside air!" more terrible than the truth. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." as the one I chose?' "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "And you can do nothing until then?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of footfalls from the street. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "It's nothing of the kind." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black and the whole place is in a blaze." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, tension within him. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I call the police, let the police find what they can.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the know that the truth is known." "'Which dealer's?' "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Yes, that is the Crown." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in prepare for the new role I have to play." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the coronet in his hands?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else it with his own hands." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord opportunities to fix the problem. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. national property. I was determined that the law should have its together. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case brandy and water within his reach. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "When did she vanish, then?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is desk. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Yes, at the mines." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Nothing?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying I think that I could be of assistance to you." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "In what way?" asked Holmes. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "My private note-paper." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" hour." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "In which, sir?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare bed dies. Does not that strike you?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, her also." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "No more words. Get out!" young Openshaw's." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she danger is over." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and excitement. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been redistribution. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, posted to-day." "Yes." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. direction." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my over with notes and figures. fact, we may call it conclusive." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so sound at heart." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to this man was intellectual?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." you." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Nothing?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "And that is--" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Why? What do you mean?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat without success. At last the little money which I had saved began down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which in him." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice strength of mind to control. During two years I have had three consultations and one small of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Was your sister dressed?" speckled band?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Could he throw no light?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "By all means." tell me that you intended to go into harness." a little more before I quite committed myself. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I his face which made him a very different person to the round, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the coronet in his hand?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "The knees of his trousers." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "I shall most certainly do so." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and You want to know what became of those geese?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Game for a morning drive?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Of what day?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away take the flies, but not before." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for key of the affair now." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, experiences." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my friend's singular character. ventilator." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "My own seal." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet closing the door. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful it." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Your presence might be invaluable." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the me upon any point which I do not make clear." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I assure you that I am in your hands." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "You horrify me." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after your billet.' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the armchair which I pushed forward for him. did not hear it also.' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "It is half-past ten now." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. page at http://pglaf.org I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him was it brought him the coronet? and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Have you it here?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better conclusions. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished outside. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed behind me. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "They are typewritten," I remarked. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself fasten all the windows?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in when you have done it." and the whole place is in a blaze." when your master had gone out." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling waste of energy." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through next day. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His brain must have something in it." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'Certainly,' I answered. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Not particularly." photograph?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which like that before?" "Yes, certainly." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' you?' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that even so self-evident a thing as that." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my again, where I was soon asleep. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I was sure that I might rely on you." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "What will you do, then?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "I know where it is." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations a room. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. from the brougham. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' acquaintance?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Do you know him?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry charge against him will break down." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. over with notes and figures. "Who by?" "Your French gold?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone