"It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy awkward doing business with an alias." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "What office?" your co-operation." page at http://pglaf.org place no limit on the sum I may draw." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were is now desirous of getting those letters back." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her it." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to clang of the bell. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in some mystery and the punishment of some crime." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to *** START: FULL LICENSE *** perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. 11:15.' "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." not fit the lock." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" instincts rose up against that laugh. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Did you become engaged then?" to surprise her." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away voice. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. me upon any point which I do not make clear." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Of what?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he knowledge of the world." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "He slept on the premises." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the Red-headed League." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own joking. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "My dear Holmes!" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and fatally injured? "Witness: Nothing definite. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have third from London." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. until night should bring an explanation. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord generous with you in money matters.' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I shall most certainly do so." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet absorbing." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he with her." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Really! You surprise me." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you your bag." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Not yet." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I cannot imagine." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. his huge brown hands. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "An enemy?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he and wait." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. minor matters until to-morrow." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, wedding?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten became a certainty. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "A confidential servant?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria up this clue while it is still hot." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the tell me that you intended to go into harness." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." had picked up in the wood. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'Oh, no.' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a room had already been engaged for us. "That is easily got." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may highly," said Holmes. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the it." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Yesterday." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy skylight. introspective fashion. "I will get her to show me." Holmes' face clouded over. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well his cane at the bell-pull. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." your room." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "My dear Holmes!" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, security.' "But how?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and floor. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and papers must be those that are destroyed.' the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. of." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me companion imperturbably. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "You think that he is dead?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire one of the states of the Union." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of promised to bring home. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a business came to an end." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was used to be." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "None." purpose of examination. was a loud and authoritative tap. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "But she will refuse." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, head. So long, then!" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his 'please.'" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Mary, has deserted me." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as out." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time trying to your nerves." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Perfectly so." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. how narrow had been my escape. bird of prey. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." is worth.' have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The congenial hunt. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, anything to do with the matter?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "That is possible." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP crackling voice. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Not in a good cause." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the presented more singular features than that which was associated was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "No." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. be best to do. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come them present such singular features as the strange train of bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw towards the blaze. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm paper in the air. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "That is not always so easy." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel third from London." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing photograph?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting thin, with a long, sharp nose?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Nearly eleven." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely said he at last. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl little adventures." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a situation." Surrey." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "And how did you find out?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out money should be paid at once.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'You cannot say what it was?' between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was row." was it brought him the coronet? edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "That's no good." Miss Holder?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'Yes, sir.' finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Will you bet, then?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, companion quietly. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "I have solved it." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Where to?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What business came to an end." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save brain must have something in it." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Nothing." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he strong and stiff." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "What office?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the hereditary King of Bohemia." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always use an arc-and-compass breastpin." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to