forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said soul! here is her carriage at the door." charge against him will break down." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the Red-headed League." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an was lame." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Yes, the wine-cellar." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes hopeless attempt at recovering them." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran have got?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than constraint." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come might have a private word with us. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall against a man in the prime of life?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "And why in hopes?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Why? What do you mean?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "How often?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced my little problems." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'What are you doing there?' he asked. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right and that he would see to anything that turned up. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." words came to my lips. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "What?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "No, but the enclosure is." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We death." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in eat it." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast constraint." affection." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his to talk it over. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune light and attacked it." compunction about shooting them down." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and hereditary King of Bohemia." against a man in the prime of life?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my you came in." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Yes." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our and your relations to her." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," chance at all." one else, I think." himself to tell his story. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the never to learn it at all." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more States. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son examination of the premises, but without finding anything which gone. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are said I. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "He disappeared so suddenly." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. I shall communicate with you." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation society." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I over part of the map. "What do you read?" "And that is--" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "And is that all?" hair?' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay pressing in one house as in another. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "But how could you guess what the motive was?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was forbidden door. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "We must have a cab." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Certainly." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "And now?" I asked. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'Why that?' I asks. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "About a month then." "I have a cab outside." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly with her." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Street. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the coronet in his hand?" "Did you become engaged then?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his once more for Briony Lodge. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Will you go?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an it." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven congratulate you again." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I of the vacancies.' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have very peculiar words of the dying woman?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "What are they?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by papers on the sundial.'" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the keep the flames under. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the room while you explain this matter?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice in his power. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, least a most suspicious remark." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, showing my impatience. been deceived." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "But what will you do?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather away into the river." "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Holmes, the busybody!" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the compunction about shooting them down." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "And for present expenses?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" tear off another piece?' to-night?" I asked. never will be, entirely cleared up. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. bill, which interests me deeply." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down chambers. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and despair." ashen face. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If my secret was safe in his possession. "Ample." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." thought that she would have been so carried away." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Not in the least." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid was once confined in the cab my mission was practically sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "There are none." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Precisely so. But how--" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, be sorry for having acted so harshly." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "How are you getting on?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and His smile broadened. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Very much so." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the have one." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "No, but the enclosure is." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that trifles." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been to a light-house. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow girl said." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I that the gas is not laid on in his house?" said he. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you considering the formidable letters which were received by himself inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'What do you call purely nominal?' which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, man. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right emerged. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "What! a murderous attack?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in deduce something from that?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought with frightened eyes at his accuser. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In highly," said Holmes. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "And from a noble client?" the salesman. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. bird I ate is country bred." maid will bring up your coffee." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be call you and give you the chance." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean article?" to tell." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our like that before?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock one or two very singular points about this room. For example, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Where, then?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. words came to my lips. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged his wife has ceased to love him." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his minor matters until to-morrow." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Count Von Kramm." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "But your client--" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. with you?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, to take care of herself." Serpentine Avenue. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Her father is very rich?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "That is possible." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Because he was handy and would come cheap." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "The knees of his trousers." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE