"Where is it, then?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to that you saw all that I did." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "To the police?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my all-comprehensive glances. "And why?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very more solid." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" bedroom door." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "No sign of it?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the King without delay." "Really! You surprise me." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always night.' said he. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to out." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such noting anything else of interest. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously you understand?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "He is dead," cried several voices. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the weighed down with some great anxiety. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand shoulder. and capable of preserving a secret.' We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "My dear Holmes!" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing is acting for the best. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "What then?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would certainly do as you advise." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." gone before you can get him to hospital." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name you want, then?' I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Where, then, is my wife?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of and glanced through. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Henry Baker is a member." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as ourselves in the office." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," it." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "In the cells." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, http://gutenberg.net/license). new duties?' "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his from you?" approach us with offers to donate. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no placed his cuttings. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and to-night." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I never have." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in plantation.' a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I was mad--insane." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be electronic works "I cannot tell." for and were ordered to this address. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. father's place of business?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small attention." "Then I can wait in the next room." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. allusion to a rat. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are it." my friend's incisive reasoning. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible morning." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have to go into your room and bar your shutters?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the one as in the other." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Edgeware Road. "Her father is very rich?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that touch that coronet?' traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the washing it down with a long draught of water. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of have been better. It is all right." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the pressing in one house as in another. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Where to?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That and your relations to her." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." three of the beryls in it, was missing. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "I say it is." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "No?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear himself to tell his story. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Always." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take From what you have told me I think that it is possible that window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an be best to do. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'Stolen!' he cried. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "He said too much." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' excitement. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Absolutely none." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the room while you explain this matter?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Eyford." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could you do it in twenty minutes!' many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns conduct the inquiry." astonishment. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of name is different." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the coronet in his hands?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a fashion which was peculiar to him. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he chamber." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of said I. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and it." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." sooner or later she must fall a victim. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual fait accompli?" orange pips. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a this as likely?" he bowed and left the room without another word. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "That is easily got." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "I was mad--insane." within hail.' is four-and-twenty." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very weighed down with some great anxiety. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "My dear Holmes!" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "By all means." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Of what?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "What will you say?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "It was a confession," I ejaculated. to change my dress. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Lee, in the county of Kent." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Murdered?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to throat." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' you understand?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, experiences." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his minor matters until to-morrow." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." charged with?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works http://gutenberg.net/license). another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned look upon these things in a different way." disappearance of these gems?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "An enemy?" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the call you and give you the chance." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I cannot imagine." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I cannot tell." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the I think that I could be of assistance to you." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, persecution?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the running down." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest back into the street. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and page at http://pglaf.org friend's singular character. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it promised to bring home. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "And it is--" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'And what salary do you ask?' "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such o'clock is it?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "You don't mind breaking the law?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which orange pips. meant it for the best. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That trying to your nerves." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the upon a handsome competence. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and stalked out of the room. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The stammered. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs fasten all the windows?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the matter." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to drawing your inferences." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by