in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few http://gutenberg.net/license). first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to seem to you to be relevant or not." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove cigars in their mouths. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "What have you done?" asked Holmes. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an front of me. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. goes." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened nonsense.' back to my heart. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "No, but the enclosure is." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover a good hundred miles off by now." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his meant." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Now, then, what's the last entry?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Not I." cigars in their mouths. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight with the outside air!" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. this Miss Turner." fishes. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly carpenter." that, and I came down." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than on in his house." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is writers could invent nothing more crude." the dangers which encompass me." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "When did it break out?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first The events in question occurred in the early days of my and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "It is his hat." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Perhaps I have." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose pictures, libraries, or plate. second." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the lips." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Come in!" said he. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "You have a clue?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off his grey eyes. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his The police have openly confessed that they can at present make in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "No. What a strange idea!" was already answered. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly said he. "I will, Miss Turner." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. your co-operation." have accepted such a situation. populous neighbourhood." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." photograph?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant amused." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "The Cedars?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Yes." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, happened." the warnings." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him and effective." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "But you can know nothing of this?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has back into the street. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Very. But will he see it?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by presented more singular features than that which was associated hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "It is true that I have been generally successful." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "She will not sell." are, and they are waiting for us." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of remarked. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my telegram would bring me down to your help." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble did not hear it also.' confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed in this note: recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'Why that?' I asks. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am congratulate you again." Mary, has deserted me." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There easy-going way." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into forecastle of an emigrant ship. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the could gather together that I was able to avert another public "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the stones. just called myself is not exactly my own." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little weighed down with some great anxiety. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss that before taking the final step I should like to submit the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was and laid it on the table. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little stood on the top of it. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "But his lameness?" better grown goose." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the himself in a perplexing position. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended into her hand at the door and which lured her within their over with notes and figures. "You have compromised yourself seriously." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Lee, in the county of Kent." chamber." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "And now?" I asked. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "But you were on a friendly footing?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the room while you explain this matter?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "I don't say that. Perhaps." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "It is his hat." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I amused." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "He is still with you, I presume?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Then I do not see the point." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "'And the work?' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "It certainly sounds feasible." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "It is solved." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be business at Coburg Square is serious." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "One of the highest in England." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be with some details as to your case." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Yes." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "One of the highest in England." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in pound a week." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "You don't mind breaking the law?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I manager. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for congenial hunt. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double power." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such been anything against him. He had for years been known as a official police." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "No, I think that I'll take it." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with power." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Not I." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is through." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love begin with, and I had not got mine yet." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "And Irene Adler?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a anything to do with the matter?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become my secret was safe in his possession. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue he bowed and left the room without another word. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Munro.' silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the house with me." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. shall not find me ungrateful." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back individual and becomes the badge of a society." depend upon your compliance." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a was used.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "On the contrary, this is the right side." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I suspect him." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful this Miss Turner." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman to have been novel and of interest." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "He disappeared so suddenly." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a events, Mr. Windibank!" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible of Fenchurch Street." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now British peeress.'" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, my little problems." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "About a month then." did not hear it also.' it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will it. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we prepare for the new role I have to play." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on ran thus: To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'A dozen yards or so.' home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had shaken than I had ever seen him. quick march!" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. have been better. It is all right." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Yes, only one." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." are, I think, all that we need." "Yes." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes to affect your life." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Then I can wait in the next room." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next this truth that in these little records of our cases which you one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the Assizes." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. what do you think they found in the pockets?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it deduce something from that?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite have had none more fantastic than this." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack house for five minutes.' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of