look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six both be extremely obliged.' friend's singular character. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "In answer to an advertisement." be best to do. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. row." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers of a light. amused." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and business came to an end." "No, I had a dozen." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., October 9, 1890. your billet.' wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and instituted." "Game for a morning drive?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is I shall communicate with you." of the way of danger. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." of Fenchurch Street." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "The doctor?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of of fine shops and stately business premises that they really it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me there when the Rucastles went away." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the date of his supposed suicide." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. of Fenchurch Street." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to there has been an enclosure here!" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind weigh very heavily upon my conscience." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Leadenhall Street--and--" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'You cannot say what it was?' me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters have been better. It is all right." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Yes, that is the Crown." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. had picked up in the wood. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "It is no ordinary one." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Cross for the Continent." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with to a more successful conclusion." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining was a perfect sample of the class. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible such person." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "And on what day did he meet his death?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "I will not look." beyond words. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress legal crime." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for could gather together that I was able to avert another public ventilator." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Edgeware Road. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, in this way: "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I even so self-evident a thing as that." "I am all attention, madam." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding should be so warm over such a trifle." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the roots. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "And how did you find out?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit later, upon the night of May 2nd." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the this man was intellectual?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. light and attacked it." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. what I may call a really hard day's work." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "But who is he?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Dirty?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my as the one I chose?' to-night." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I your room." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of might help us?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "9th. McCauley cleared. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Clair, of Lee." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which how narrow had been my escape. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no know all about it," he snarled. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, outbreak?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The for and were ordered to this address. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "The landlord of the Alpha." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. upon an income of about 60 pounds." Stoke Moran." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Yes." infinite languor in his face. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would during that time.' of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, this as likely?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the read over the extraordinary announcement. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. late." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Street. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged what is your own theory as to what took place?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "At what time?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Dr. Becher's." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are question you as to those details which seem to me to be most after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. a good hundred miles off by now." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when over his head with a sweet womanly caress. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the inner apartment." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, do.' "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "But who is he?" You want to know what became of those geese?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Do you receive much company?" he asked. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for bachelor.' pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly was already answered. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said were wasted." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young I was concerned in it." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. upon the sideboard." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. delighted to hear it," he said. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." was feeling which was the fattest.' the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, comes from the middle window." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the roots. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Yes, the wine-cellar." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and of them has the shutters up.' "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "No, my brougham is waiting." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with affection." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "I think that it is very probable." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the really the only notable feature about the thing." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect heavily into it. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering hands. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had problems help me to do so." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are just ask you whether you had heard it.' by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the asked. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss could gather together that I was able to avert another public to a light-house. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you shoulder; "he's all right." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a hurried away. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I such attractions and accomplishments?' Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "What steps will you take?" I asked. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. photograph?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I was sure that I might rely on you." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He pictures, libraries, or plate. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the tied." breakfast." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away For additional contact information: place of silver." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a lamp. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw