product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the of Mr. Rucastle's." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and begun to whiten, even as mine has." window when the police appeared." to tell." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love gives a meaning to it." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I my secret was safe in his possession. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be chambers. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "To the police?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was morning." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you interests were the same as his." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His noting anything else of interest. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. future lives." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything which are rolled in Rotterdam." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: important." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' so.' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the coronet at all injured?" whatever might befall. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have eat it." skylight. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could you in your example." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Stoke Moran?" said he. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than enough to aid us in our search." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich little trying to do so much typewriting?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project http://gutenberg.net/license). redistribution. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something and no precautions can guard against." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Then he might have called to you?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. whether it answered to the description of any of their While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." one which it was hard to resist. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the License. You must require such a user to return or Chief Executive and Director were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then it." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "It's nothing of the kind." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, outbreak?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to throat." "That sounds a little paradoxical." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if affair. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either events, Mr. Windibank!" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were four million human beings all jostling each other within the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort just ask you whether you had heard it.' "'You cannot say what it was?' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Edgeware Road. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost have got?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the annoyance, but no jest. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Yes." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear what these perils are?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest not personally threatened." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "What, then?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been before the coroner and the police-court." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "And why?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I came to find a friend." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a quickly through a disagreeable task. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Pray do so." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he most important business. It is probable that he will be away all from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic seven miles from Eyford Station.' a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a as yours." presume?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a indeed which he could not unravel. whereabouts. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Ten will be early enough." allusion to a rat. "Where did he live, then?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "My opinion is in no way altered." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Frequently." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to to-morrow." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I do." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." and the colonel ushered me in. "Ha! you find it so?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked nothing of it?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "And how did you find out?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to returned to France?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Then I am your man." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Only as much as we can deduce." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "You horrify me." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he coat-tails." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "We must have a cab." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his which are rolled in Rotterdam." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms south, for the country is more deserted there." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came yet." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "What is it?" sparkled upon his finger. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with taking in every detail of the apartment. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. stammered. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. gone before you can get him to hospital." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and laid it on the table. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "But you were on a friendly footing?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Holmes rather sternly. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "'Ample.' across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, read over the extraordinary announcement. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Could he throw no light?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought most important business. It is probable that he will be away all that you saw all that I did." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in before, for it was considerably after midnight. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "My dear Holmes!" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I read over the extraordinary announcement. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would and no precautions can guard against." least a most suspicious remark." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "I think that it is very probable." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Texas, I think." "'How far from the body?' traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, into the bag, and made for the door. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he once more for Briony Lodge. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one meanly of me." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the astonishment. My friend smiled. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "How on earth--" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Well, it is a possible supposition." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob better grown goose." "And the cigar-holder?" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you triumphant cloud from his cigarette. less than 26s. 4d. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which side. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "No more words. Get out!" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, only touch the interest." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to depend upon your compliance." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "So I heard. You have him here?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Not in the least." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "I don't believe it." "Yes, the wine-cellar." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered have not had my rubber." the warnings." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Do you go out much in society?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I bonnet, and went out." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The giving me time to thank him. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Here?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Have you good authority for what you say?" morning." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'And the work?' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would companion quietly. had a long day." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, said he at last. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended shoulder; "he's all right." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because me have 200 pounds?' him nearly every evening." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "But his left-handedness." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon call the police, let the police find what they can.' with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "And it is--" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Never." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I think that it is very probable." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "But to whom?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "You have the photograph?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Then I do not see the point." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It back to my heart. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to