age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, was feeling which was the fattest.' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, pictures, libraries, or plate. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "What are they?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "I shall be delighted." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." him nearly every evening." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence him to be an active member of the medical profession." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of shaken than I had ever seen him. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a interested in these little problems, and since you are good were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "And I say east," said my patient. "Why did you beat the pavement?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "To an end?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "What! You do not mean bodies?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Then how many are there?" "And how did you find out?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our how narrow had been my escape. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, his grey eyes. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to goes." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous heavy and sharp instrument." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than as he remarks, very much against the son." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country some terrible trap for her." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "No?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place in darkness. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his papers diligently of late, have you not?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving know what is wrong with it.' unprecedented a position." disappearance of these gems?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the bed, and you in that chair." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it crime. to affect your life." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the rooms." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as better in every way that they should make their position a little seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Very murderous indeed." into the room. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault His name is Francis Prosper." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Witness: It was. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Do you know him?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your morning." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of situation." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the purpose equally well?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Were they all fastened this morning?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'Yes, it was gone.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between hand, madam?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "The rest you will leave in our hands." wall." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "'Ten to two.' makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the know all about it," he snarled. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he intimate personal affairs in this public manner." ran thus: he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Get out!" said he. "Her father is very rich?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "You have but to name it." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "You horrify me!" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "'Where could I find him?' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Oh, yes, easily." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months empty. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not DISSOLVED. "Then what has happened to him?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. should be so warm over such a trifle." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, and effective." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" married her." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the south-west, I see." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I instincts rose up against that laugh. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and for and were ordered to this address. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the night.' "I am in hopes that she does." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step there in twenty minutes." disappearance of the bride.'" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each row." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets until night should bring an explanation. had picked up in the wood. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Her father is very rich?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very row." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Yes, that is the Crown." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole tightly behind him. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "How did he come?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon cigars in their mouths. just ask you whether you had heard it.' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That morning." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared friend's singular character. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Yes, but only for you and me." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. in his power. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to morning." "And you thought he was pulled back?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I have come for advice." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. was already answered. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a emerged. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily your billet.' "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if writer." "I cannot tell." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, tied." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your with you?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any but preventing her from injuring another. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Holmes' face clouded over. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among 'please.'" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "No?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in have accepted such a situation. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over forehead. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. in the port of London." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and I was concerned in it." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in entirely devoid of interest." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' rose-bushes. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal assist you in forming an opinion." "Of Friday, June 19th." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who any more." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my notes," he said. his huge brown hands. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a very morning of my second wedding." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "From his hat?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge as he folded up the epistle. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the which we had just quitted. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And open." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel like that before?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in companion. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of this gang." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our woman who has had her own way to make in the world. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "And from a noble client?" "Yes." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of is acting for the best. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "On your arm?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "And for present expenses?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. compunction about shooting them down." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to disappearance of the bride.'" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Where to?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "You are all wrong." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much from you?" "I beg pardon." letters?" "His face fell immediately. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification problems help me to do so." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Upon what point?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I cannot say that I have." grasp, he hurried from the room. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so attention." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'And what are they worth?' I asked. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot maid will bring up your coffee." it." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." way in everything. distinguish the words: including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Where, then?" "Precisely so. But how--" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was round and wave him away like that.' contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two I. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "No, distinctly professional." really the only notable feature about the thing." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Quite so. She has her freedom." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "And you can do nothing until then?" again, where I was soon asleep. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new in a friendly supper." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," appeal." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no better grown goose." tension within him. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "What do you make of that, Watson?" redistribution. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She