varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and like that before?" will not take me long to tell. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that business came to an end." me have 200 pounds?' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. putting in the horse. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm nonsense.' "'Quite sure, dad.' very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. comes from the middle window." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been would then never go into court at all." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'Yes, sir.' may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "To an end?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "If so, much may have happened between." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the coronet at all injured?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he your sleep?' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same in your London, you will know that the office of the company is went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this soul! here is her carriage at the door." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I was afraid that you were engaged." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." said I. "Witness: I must still refuse. "She showed me, as I told you she would." and effective." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" to his chemical studies. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "But his lameness?" answered with a sidelong glance. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower I think that I could be of assistance to you." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which my former friend and companion. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in if only as a check to my own memory." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" placed his cuttings. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an in his power. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. pound a week." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester good for you to do.' papers diligently of late, have you not?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "I don't say that. Perhaps." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Could he throw no light?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to some other building. there was no need for father to know." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came suggested at once that there must be a communication between the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Precisely." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let definite end. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, address. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the Red-headed League." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From McCarthy." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "You have it, sir, just as it happened." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and vague figure huddled up in the darkness. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much closing the door. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp forehead. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'As governess?' blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Eh? What was that?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Where, then, is my wife?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "No, I think that I'll take it." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "My private note-paper." McCarthy's innocence. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, indeed which he could not unravel. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just becomes even more simple." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my friends, not even his own brother. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "It came here." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "And what did you learn from him?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "And why?" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in hand, madam?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By II. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Yesterday." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and laid it on the table. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing like gravel from a pit.' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a if only as a check to my own memory." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the disappearance of the bride.'" nice household for a young lady." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Yes?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who would then never go into court at all." Holmes' thin, eager face. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else against a man in the prime of life?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I residence of the great financier. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the you?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, one else, I think." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I would give my fortune to have them back." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the certainly not very gracious." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other again on its way. business." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady which our visitor detailed to us. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you tear off another piece?' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the acquaintance?" and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." me upon any point which I do not make clear." despair." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." fat-encircled eyes. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "And that is--" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "No." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining how narrow had been my escape. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "How did that help you?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "No, I had a dozen." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and forbidden door. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building be best to do. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused without a word or a look. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "So I have heard." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. learned something! Where are the gems?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Is he quiet?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he had this final quarrel? "Where, then?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and bonnet, and went out." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Mary, has deserted me." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "The murder was done with it." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Really! You surprise me." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked been." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as have accepted such a situation. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair been able to understand it, in a very few words. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in *** START: FULL LICENSE *** out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge shag which I had seen upon the previous night. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can your equipment. held up the lantern and gazed about him. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'Ten to two.' side. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre 'I should be able to look after that for you.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to be there in time for your coming." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, the morning and make my own way in the world.' "And what did you see?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "I am following you closely," I answered. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a to arrive at through this?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "That is possible." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his remarked. if only as a check to my own memory." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, my secret was safe in his possession. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'Never,' said I. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the question," said Holmes, smiling. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "But how?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able letters?" "He said too much." me what he had done with the three missing stones. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them do you make of it all?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." it right.' before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had highly," said Holmes. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and crowd. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very galvanised. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm burst out into a roar of laughter. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Yes, from Horsham." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that