purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable in this note: before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Yes. He waved his hands." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of there were one or two details which were new to me. But the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. least a fellow-countryman. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which page at http://pglaf.org uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "No legal papers or certificates?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to-night?" I asked. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "One of the highest in England." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we to have that photograph." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to definite end. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "None. Neville wrote those words." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the details." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Not social, then?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Your French gold?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "And Miss Sutherland?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic morning." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not comes from the middle window." the stable lane now." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective annoyance, but no jest. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" highly," said Holmes. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE call the police, let the police find what they can.' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "No, I am descending." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed directly by questioning you." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "A greater distance to travel." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should it. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "But how did you gain them?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the coronet in his hand?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, quick march!" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "You think so, too?" other lovers by making love himself." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" guilty parties." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that my secret was safe in his possession. about. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "You horrify me." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another distinguish the words: strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Chief Executive and Director and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is formed some opinion?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his out of this horrible affair." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "It is very clear." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "And Miss Sutherland?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Of what?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "The doctor?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you waste of energy." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "You are certainly joking, Holmes." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "And why?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "At the wedding breakfast." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "That is unusual in a young girl." "I do." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Oh, no.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for conversation I have gathered that they have been married about nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many until night should bring an explanation. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I do." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." he died? backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his night.' said he. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of campaign. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Munro.' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Where, then?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself to change my dress. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing walking." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not best detective that ever lived. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Very much so." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do you give your casting vote to?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Upon what point?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "You'll never persuade me to believe that." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "But to whom?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at noble correspondent could be. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you persecution?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." with her." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of third from London." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "So it appears." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Nothing." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "You are hungry," I remarked. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "I don't say that. Perhaps." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Yes." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of not as remarkable as your advertisement." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "But what harm can there be in that?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in troubles have been weighing upon his mind. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'What then?' I asked. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be I nodded to show that I had heard. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "That is possible." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This is now desirous of getting those letters back." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I think it very unlikely." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good test if we have an answer to our advertisement." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from criminal. We have already had experience of such." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet ceremony." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I present." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. photograph?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of and shall probably return to London by the evening train." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most and the church but not where the lady lived." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'And the work?' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been allusion to a rat. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she third from London." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a 1.E.9. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened when you have done it." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "They are typewritten," I remarked. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing when you have done it." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious as noiselessly as she had come. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Then I can wait in the next room." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I have my revolver," said I. "That you are never beaten." pierced for earrings?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by forebodings. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself one of the states of the Union." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon fattened it expressly for you.' "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me handed it to him. "That was it, sir." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Well, some hundreds of times." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "And why in hopes?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "What?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning at a side door. served to weaken the effect. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor anything to a woman, for she would have her way." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger them?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax