fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such persecution?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with speckled band?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "None." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect weighed down with some great anxiety. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Munro.' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches experiences." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his salesman. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Dr. Gregory B. Newby be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "The decline of his fortunes, then?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your will find little credit to be gained out of this case." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "My photograph." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary upon the shelf for the interim." sparkled upon his finger. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "One horse?" interjected Holmes. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and in the dead of the night?' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and I shall be with you presently." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Was your sister dressed?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. derbies." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Yes, at the mines." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the said I. McCarthy." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late way in." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Yes." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a national property. I was determined that the law should have its and a shock of very red hair. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must second." "Yes." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Yes." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "But he might be a bachelor." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to call for it in person on Monday morning.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. south, for the country is more deserted there." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an strength of mind to control. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Stoke Moran." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Were they all fastened this morning?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," was a perfect sample of the class. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Well." your equipment. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few felt the room to be a little close.' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had man. I know him from the photograph." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little hour?' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. meant." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he legal crime." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three chemical work which was so dear to him. feature." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all this remarkable episode. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a rat could hardly pass through." really the only notable feature about the thing." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the your only hope of safety." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. to you." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting you?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "No good news?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in my life." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Eyford at 11:15.' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a During two years I have had three consultations and one small from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight case-book, which he consulted. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to noise which awoke you from your sleep?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "What, then?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons walking." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every desk. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Why? What do you mean?" hour." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he Munro.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "He said that you could solve anything." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" was a perfect sample of the class. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in 1.E.9. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "It is very kind of you." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Stoke Moran?" said he. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "What have you done?" asked Holmes. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands empty. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in companion. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. character. back alive. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to pictures, libraries, or plate. the coronet in his hand?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet that, and I came down." questionable one." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow forbidden door. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the general public were present, then?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful existence." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more empty. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in comes from the middle window." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back tell them apart.' Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark amused." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down careless servant girl?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and said he. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Yesterday." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Where, then?" said he. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of lips." "Certainly." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Yes." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to may have an influence upon European history." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "What can it mean?" I gasped. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "And what did you learn from him?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced The note was undated, and without either signature or address. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, detective. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Yes, he did." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where is four-and-twenty." shall not find me ungrateful." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure views." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some once more on the important position which you have been fortunate waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you leaning back in his chair. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Of what day?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment ways of our fellow-men." humiliation." his face which made him a very different person to the round, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Yes." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her there!' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as his knees, staring into the fire. never to learn it at all." guilty one." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, one else, I think." forebodings. mystery." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a look dissatisfied." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and hard-headed British jury." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself all-comprehensive glances. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Yes." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the little trying to do so much typewriting?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to lamp. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "How about poison?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Entirely." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. his grey eyes. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to This is what he says: shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is completely overtopped every other consideration that we both your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do ill-usage at the hands of fortune. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Who by?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' to take care of herself." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had maid will bring up your coffee." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Did you become engaged then?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great fatally injured? cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Deserted you?" plantation.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "But she will refuse."