few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you colonel looking down at me. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." fled together." to his chemical studies. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were me. "Then I do not see the point." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Yes, I have one waiting." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Holmes' room. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of in the port of London." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & be sorry for having acted so harshly." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a other means.' "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Did you observe the colour?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. question. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Yes." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a furiously. "Yes, it would be as well." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose little trying to do so much typewriting?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the business?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about rose-bushes. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Awake, Watson?" he asked. locked. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "'Yes, I promise.' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hard-headed British jury." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have him, that man would not have given me such complete information that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an a monotonous occupation." "Ha! you find it so?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I giving me time to thank him. tapping his fingers upon the table. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my be there in time for your coming." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of this poor creature." "'Yes, sir.' really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of crime." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "About a month then." been shamefully used." Eyford at 11:15.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was legal crime." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning in the port of London." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view with the outside air!" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to affair. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this weighed down with some great anxiety. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Pray do so." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. derbies." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "What are they?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" returned to France?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." late." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "No, my brougham is waiting." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and looked back. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook figure." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin too. mystery!" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Not in a good cause." people in all walks of life. a suggestive one." "Proceed, then." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your whereabouts. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack danger is over." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "By no means." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project bill, which interests me deeply." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Was she in good spirits?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Holmes, the busybody!" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Holmes' thin, eager face. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "And now?" He raised his hand. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in you." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The father's place of business?" 1.F. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering front of the hall door has given its name to the place. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at money should be paid at once.' seem to you to be relevant or not." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Very murderous indeed." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in III. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue details." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "But he might be a bachelor." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire writer." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace will he say when he returns?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold hour?' "Which are?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to you." trying to your nerves." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Does that suggest anything?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her to have been novel and of interest." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Yes, certainly." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with breakfast and whispered something to her husband. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, vault. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Yes, sir." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE how narrow had been my escape. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the redistribution. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, thought that she would have been so carried away." brandy and water within his reach. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I was mad--insane." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "You forget that I know nothing about it." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. do you make of it all?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Yes, sir." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "If so, much may have happened between." sound at heart." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative there in twenty minutes." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper in one or two places in England?' character. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the man. I know him from the photograph." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called during which he might have communicated with his friend the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. returned to France?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more strong reason behind." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years extraordinary contortions. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white which was all perfectly true. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they papers diligently of late, have you not?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Certainly, madam." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious disturbance in my wife." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. closing the door. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Yes, I have one waiting." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. front of me. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had questionable one." Holmes. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "His face fell immediately. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and your own bird, so if you wish--" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I would pay ten." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Where is it, then?" cigars in the box." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I was sure that I might rely on you." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'What do you call purely nominal?' this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the little opening for the ventilator is." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide feature." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the one as in the other." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "What of the rat, then?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Well, but China?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of with her." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very points in connection with it which never have been, and probably yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "'What do you call purely nominal?' he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." during which he might have communicated with his friend the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out families. Now for the facts. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue go from here to the Strand." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. congenial hunt. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he would then never go into court at all." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, will take you up to see the machine.' opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his where Mr. Fordham shows you.' exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' memory. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me conduct the inquiry." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Pray let us have it, for all that." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down meant it for the best. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "This photograph!" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Have you her photograph?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, shall use the carriage to-night." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." gbnewby@pglaf.org "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Always." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely cigars in the box." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "It was a confession," I ejaculated. What do you deduce from it?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I bed dies. Does not that strike you?" photograph a cabinet?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Bought." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Yes." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'You doubt its value?' he asked. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave past. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt think, you have already met." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. brain must have something in it." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double lips." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double even of instruction." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" late." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always