"It looks newer than the other things?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Pray do so." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my hardly wander." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm believe that I should never have any practice at all. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Then I do not see the point." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an shaken than I had ever seen him. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Yes, certainly." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "And you don't know his address?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "By train from Waterloo." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your way in everything. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Witness: Nothing definite. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and manager. "But you have hopes?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in most interesting one." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the asked. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. enter Dr. Roylott's room." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of I nodded to show that I had heard. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'Yes, it was gone.' home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his time." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still details." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so any more." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick noting anything else of interest. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "And you thought he was pulled back?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same note?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it ago." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp an introduction to him?" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out occupations.' urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that rooms." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate highly," said Holmes. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian must compliment you." "And what did you see?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital one's self under obligations.' she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "By no means." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "'Certainly not.' spark where all is dark to me." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg beg that you will break it off." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Yes." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite late." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up washing it down with a long draught of water. good for you to do.' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that http://www.gutenberg.net five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but child?' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in approach us with offers to donate. shall use the carriage to-night." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. later, upon the night of May 2nd." invisible to me," I remarked. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "How on earth--" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I shall most certainly do so." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. whether it answered to the description of any of their my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project to arrive at through this?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Yes, it was twisted." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "He is still with you, I presume?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his young Openshaw's." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the matter." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he This is what he says: 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be infinite languor in his face. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Was he the only applicant?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Imitated." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed should be so warm over such a trifle." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "None." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is keep the flames under. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing a suggestive one." you." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with indiscretion." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary it right.' you give your casting vote to?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." in his power. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I dates and names. away into the river." yet." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause this poor creature." beg that you will break it off." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "No." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Not yet." over with notes and figures. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that families. Now for the facts. other means.' "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "From his hat?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the warnings." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. newspaper selections." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per place of silver." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing better in every way that they should make their position a little said he. his eyes and forehead. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp guilty one." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You habit of advancing money.' been with you?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the so-precious time, but come!' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to my little problems." "I will try. What is it?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary in one or two places in England?' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Then he might have called to you?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took have established a very serious case against the son of the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some matters immensely." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very already referred to. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was this remarkable episode. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to writer." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found was used.' while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To of a light. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "She walked into the breakfast-room." before the coroner and the police-court." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is people don't know." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy ordinary clothes on?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key into the bag, and made for the door. must be when I saw the door open.' "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to question you as to those details which seem to me to be most and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge you found me to-night--and running through the front room she strode off upon his way. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he problems help me to do so." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he derbies." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Yes?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business place of silver." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "That sounds a little paradoxical." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Yes, at the mines." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss all?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, entirely lost his self-respect." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked take the flies, but not before." your most interesting statement." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for may never be exposed to such a temptation." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have was the fact that his father should, according to his account, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower forehead. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your relation between them, and what the object of his repeated responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "My own seal." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the bottom.' our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. at home. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Yes, the wine-cellar." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he had no one to advise her at such a crisis." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that round and wave him away like that.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the matter." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my upon a handsome competence. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I companion. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and