Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to morning." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Was there a secret marriage?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "It is a murder, then?" outside. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider call for it in person on Monday morning.' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we now. It seems that there had been some informality about their friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor few hundred pounds.' which it had come upon my father." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "'Certainly not.' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and have this put in the evening papers." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "That is not always so easy." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be have an American origin." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Thank you. And your address?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I fluttered off among the others. indiscretion." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me trying to your nerves." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, are windows in it, of course?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Edgeware Road. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded this man was intellectual?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and make me his representative both with the servants and with the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, tear off another piece?' "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his forebodings. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to you." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon details." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I see many objections to any such theory." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "And how did you verify them?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project way in everything. "Game for a morning drive?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of sparkled upon his finger. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Get out!" said he. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he unprecedented a position." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." you understand?" companion. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave bearing upon the case." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an both be extremely obliged.' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I would give my fortune to have them back." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Why? What do you mean?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "No, I am descending." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond a suggestive one." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "No?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'And the work?' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural followed. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in had a long day." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew bled considerably." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "No. What a strange idea!" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I that I may have something better before very many minutes are the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Yes, sir." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking floor. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was I held the little printed slip to the light. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at to some other building. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Yes, certainly." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there without a word or a look. people don't know." "What! a murderous attack?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "I say that I have solved it." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his do you make of it all?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," leave you to your papers for a little." "How many? I don't know." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, looking up at the numbers of the houses." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet His name is Francis Prosper." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Which are?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Precisely." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So attention." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. or in danger--" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would not, dad?" she asked. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Breckinridge is his name." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Here?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "'Ample.' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Did he not advertise?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the in his hands." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Come in!" said Holmes. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the disturbance in my wife." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person present." gone before you can get him to hospital." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite him to go away.' conduct the inquiry." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "He disappeared so suddenly." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling once more for Briony Lodge. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the spark where all is dark to me." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "But how?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours out." "And what did you see?" infinite languor in his face. exactly what you advise." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'Why that?' I asks. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE is a common subject for conversation. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock said I. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for intimate personal affairs in this public manner." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "And on what day did he meet his death?" conclusions. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted any more." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a 'please.'" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be plantation.' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "But what will you do?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "The murder was done with it." "It certainly sounds feasible." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. salesman. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part III. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., outbreak?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his hour." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Yes, that is the Crown." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the read over the extraordinary announcement. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "You are certainly joking, Holmes." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Holmes." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that?' Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to a more successful conclusion." out of this horrible affair." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Pray do so." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I should be immensely obliged to you." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing exactly what you advise." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "At half-wages, in fact." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave leaning back in his chair. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he wall." that "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some indiscretion." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "'Yes, it was gone.' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, have not had my rubber." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is and the colonel ushered me in. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this help us in this matter." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Where, indeed?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was your only hope of safety." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Of Friday, June 19th." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler of a light. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly excitement. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "So I have heard." awkward doing business with an alias." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. asked. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, depend upon your compliance." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for be.' would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Frequently." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the http://www.gutenberg.net "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. crime. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the girl said." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Holmes' thin, eager face. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same other, as fresh and trim as possible. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "But how?" disappearance of the bride.'" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he tear off another piece?' "And why?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled like that before?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their