"I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my weighed down with some great anxiety. "And Miss Sutherland?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Very truly yours, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. written, and locked the door of the office after me. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 himself. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the for securing the situation." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with again." strode off upon his way. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Countess of Morcar's?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Then I do not see the point." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this was a loud and authoritative tap. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the salesman. good-night and bustled off upon her way. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. happened." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the McCarthy." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without with frightened eyes at his accuser. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been and the church but not where the lady lived." letters?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall you do it in twenty minutes!' endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Heh?' against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Bought." you." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not whole matter to your consideration." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how your sleep?' and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Frequently." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of pound a week." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Stoke Moran." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "And you can do nothing until then?" you?' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'Tell me all about it,' said I. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did sufficient punishment." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "You horrify me!" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions before the coroner and the police-court." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained you." meanly of me." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "What of the rat, then?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their was not a bird to be seen there. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking a few minutes he said that it would be all right. My friend smiled. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "My Mary? Impossible!" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of to have been novel and of interest." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "But how?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Then I shall certainly come." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A outside." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "It's nothing of the kind." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "But to whom?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am answered with a sidelong glance. "To an end?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." despaired of." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long was not a bird to be seen there. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "And that is--" signal between you and your father? continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the matter over." I shall continue with my miserable story. foot. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of nights." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to affect your life." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me matter over." "How did you trace it, then?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I disturbance in my wife." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. said he at last. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the bird of prey. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "And I to find an enemy." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the little opening for the ventilator is." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. enter Dr. Roylott's room." photograph?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "My last client of the sort was a king." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and no precautions can guard against." congratulate you again." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that and a shock of very red hair. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I was certainly surprised to find you there." exactly what you advise." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given to have been novel and of interest." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable thirty. delighted to hear it," he said. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Really! You surprise me." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the kind enough to tell me what I should do." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire you give your casting vote to?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place outside." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "That is unusual in a young girl." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive noble correspondent could be. "About a month then." train.' nothing with him." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, father's place of business?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Have you her photograph?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two village inn over there?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is been with you?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very absorbing." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir colour had been driven from his face. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the six. Come in!" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "It is solved." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident imbecility!" he cried. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the recover the gem." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "And how did you find out?" taking in every detail of the apartment. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many written. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. just called myself is not exactly my own." what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Yes?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "My opinion is in no way altered." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw families. Now for the facts. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end house for five minutes.' you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for have one." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell better grown goose." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in directors have had misgivings upon the subject." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always his cane at the bell-pull. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news stalked out of the room. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his never came back." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "None. Neville wrote those words." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by some city in a dream. started for the Temple to see my husband. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe discontent upon his features. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "VIOLET HUNTER." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project congenial hunt. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not my room." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the humiliation." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." II. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I cannot say that I have." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I events than those which have happened in my own family." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his maiden herself was most instructive." golden eyeglasses. rooms." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Oh, yes, easily." "In answer to an advertisement." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "But she could not love him." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible."