For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the ways of our fellow-men." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite started for the Temple to see my husband. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you excitement. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the instincts rose up against that laugh. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Pray do so." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "It's nothing of the kind." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon and inquire as to the address." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock leaning back in his chair. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "What are they?" waste of energy." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have whatever might befall. and the colonel ushered me in. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, possible that we could bring him back to her? "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "The Cedars?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "ARAT," I read. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "And help." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against bell. Holmes whistled. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "May I see it?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Sutherland. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few triumphant cloud from his cigarette. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must giving me time to thank him. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "What!" he roared. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "What I expected to see." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "9th. McCauley cleared. have established a very serious case against the son of the "I cannot tell." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such straighten it?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Pray let us have it, for all that." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out leave you to your papers for a little." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he fluttered off among the others. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the galvanised. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "An enemy?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn that, and I came down." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, me upon any point which I do not make clear." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Then how many are there?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your where she found matters as described by the last witness. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Yes, it was twisted." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Chief Executive and Director Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "You have carte blanche." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we highly," said Holmes. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "To the police?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished a monotonous occupation." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Certainly." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then digesting their breakfasts at home." "I will do it." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not populous neighbourhood." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Always." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Just look it up, then." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of deduce something from that?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "How did you trace it, then?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal such attractions and accomplishments?' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of had formerly been in part my own. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of the way of danger. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and I shall be with you presently." cigar and let me expound." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Perfectly so." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "What is it, then--a fire?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'I shall certainly be there.' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "No." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I have I gained?" "'Ample.' outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his detained." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may voice. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your definite end. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "What do you mean?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Watson," he said cordially. October 9, 1890. undoubtedly my uncle's." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the bed, and you in that chair." "He might." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "It is possible." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of Fenchurch Street." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great of the efforts of the United States government and of the better there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Certainly." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the stones. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in such attractions and accomplishments?' to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "He slept on the premises." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet were new raised from a basin. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." morning." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Yesterday." observed. infinite languor in his face. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas points to suicide?" "Why did you pick him?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "If I can be of use." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "We must have a cab." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you that, and I came down." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William forbidden door. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or The events in question occurred in the early days of my I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my My friend smiled. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he his cane at the bell-pull. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with yourselves in at night?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Witness: Nothing definite. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner went to the Alpha were town bred." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in chambers. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled developed." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the morning." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress sound at heart." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Perfectly so." became a certainty. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the too. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "And why?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'There is a drive, then?' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Tired-looking or fresh?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all thirty. secret." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Why serious?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Well." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the question," said Holmes, smiling. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I problems help me to do so." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I think that it is very probable." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "We must have a cab." cigars in their mouths. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in you for a few hours?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Yes." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "And the cigar-holder?" conduct the inquiry." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been It was close upon four before the door opened, and a what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to with you?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means could not have written that. It is the German who is so from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. forbidden door. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." them present such singular features as the strange train of "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. his wife has ceased to love him." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by there." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the our word." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Yes." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the morning." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you you give your casting vote to?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. your own bird, so if you wish--" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "This concluded the examination of the witness." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an me. You must get home instantly and act." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an to surprise her." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people gentleman's clothes. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "No, distinctly professional." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the possible that we could bring him back to her? "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. least a most suspicious remark." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Bought." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently