it right.' "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "We were both in the photograph." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between his wife has ceased to love him." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and entirely devoid of interest." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "In San Francisco, a year ago." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' until night should bring an explanation. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "A client, then?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I nodded to show that I had heard. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "And how have you succeeded?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Ample." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the voice, changing her seat as requested. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but believe that I should never have any practice at all. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working least a fellow-countryman. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and both be extremely obliged.' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." main points of my analysis." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Then how many are there?" him. of receipt of the work. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down DAMAGE. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he drove away. chance." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and laid it on the table. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his head. So long, then!" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady crackling voice. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks thin legs towards the fire. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose once more on the important position which you have been fortunate while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked late!' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I will not look." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to I shall communicate with you." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to young Openshaw's." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips his wife has ceased to love him." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and questionable one." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your row." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds sparkled upon his finger. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. for its centre. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have married her." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Have you her photograph?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth I shall communicate with you." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small in one or two places in England?' Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in lips." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "And how have you succeeded?" "What will you say?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and there in twenty minutes." point in the dark hollow of his hand. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Certainly." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the an introduction to him?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the have an American origin." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my this truth that in these little records of our cases which you used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "You think that he is dead?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out feature." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Count Von Kramm." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, present." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Certainly." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not some water from a caraffe. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George third from London." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in nothing of it?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can daring than any effort of the imagination." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'Most admirably.' "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Well?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Holmes rather sternly. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there in this note: out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "When did it break out?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'As governess?' opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "She walked into the breakfast-room." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "No, but the enclosure is." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you be sorry for having acted so harshly." father's young wife. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies go from here to the Strand." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'Yes, it was gone.' sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the room while you explain this matter?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "One horse?" interjected Holmes. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your only touch the interest." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Dr. Becher's." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, what do you think they found in the pockets?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off purpose of examination. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment name is different." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Always." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little you give your casting vote to?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Young McCarthy must be got off, however." tell me that you intended to go into harness." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. him to go away.' Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, your bag." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster sofa. This way, please!" know all about it," he snarled. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that do you make of it all?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her few hundred pounds.' you in yours." points to suicide?" seen the man in the road." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, not as remarkable as your advertisement." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it him!" instituted." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Married! When?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "I have solved it." and wait." habit of advancing money.' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Very much so." photograph?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "What I expected to see." to affect your life." writers could invent nothing more crude." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." behind me. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any ourselves in the office." question. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before made him keep the appointment." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands wall." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding which are rolled in Rotterdam." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. throat." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "That is unusual in a young girl." Eyford." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp keep the flames under. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that with her." room had already been engaged for us. "And is that all?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that and your relations to her." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It searched, without anything being found which could incriminate rat could hardly pass through." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went me. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" new duties?' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I don't believe it."