"That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would your most interesting statement." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "It is very kind of you." "You were travelling in the States?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "She showed me, as I told you she would." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same tassel actually lying upon the pillow. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were down in his armchair and closing his eyes. them?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a business." "Who was the criminal, then?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my obstinate." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not directors, with the result that you have seen." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Thank you. And your address?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, something of him before." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings exactly what you advise." Leadenhall Street--and--" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." do.' "He said that you could solve anything." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Arthur Conan Doyle unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. fear." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Nothing." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird redistribution. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great anything to a woman, for she would have her way." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and glanced through. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "So I am. Very much so." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land she used." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered of it with the greatest attention. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that me, and I could not think that his explanation of the to have that photograph." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A the loss of it. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, John Swain, of St. Augustine. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "That sounds a little paradoxical." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the salesman. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked cigars in their mouths. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. visitors." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "ARAT," I read. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel think you a quite exceptional woman." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on you?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is returning from some small jollification and was making his way lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words him and tried to hold him back. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. whole matter to your consideration." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" against a man in the prime of life?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in could go. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the driver. my little problems." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Lestrade of Scotland Yard." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building into the bag, and made for the door. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I served to weaken the effect. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "I have my revolver," said I. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "'Certainly not.' "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should most interesting one." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the digesting their breakfasts at home." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He late!' fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." cause to be." "But the mystery?" such person." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which drove away. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. For additional contact information: fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest shoulder; "he's all right." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in the dead of the night?' is four-and-twenty." seven miles from Eyford Station.' Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have guilty parties." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is of the vacancies.' "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "How many? I don't know." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "No." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate fasten all the windows?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Was he the only applicant?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the coroner come to?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' this remarkable episode. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more ways of our fellow-men." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a father's young wife. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very to tackle the facts." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she points to suicide?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the tragedy. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "How did that help you?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "She walked into the breakfast-room." lost his Christmas dinner." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Street. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a October 9, 1890. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross brandy and water within his reach. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and crime. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or photograph a cabinet?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. at once, for I have only half an hour." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you as the one I chose?' "I would give my fortune to have them back." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "And your father? Did you tell him?" night.' said he. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which followed. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I said I. and it need not interfere very much with one's other was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any companion. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. call you and give you the chance." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would conclusions. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to purpose of examination. "And did you observe any change in her then?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been conclusions. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant I shall communicate with you." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps fasten all the windows?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "'As governess?' what these perils are?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Quite so. She has her freedom." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, friend's singular character. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He room?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any client, rising. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold pound a week." "Of what?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this persecution?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the as he remarks, very much against the son." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to might help us?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We John Swain, of St. Augustine. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the I. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my yards of it?' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" letters?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the nursery. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg and a shock of very red hair. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I hurried by. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by shall use the carriage to-night." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! me. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with stood on the top of it. "I say that I have solved it." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the nursery. DISSOLVED. villagers almost as much as their master. late." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the