his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE redistribution. "'What do you call purely nominal?' themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may of your young ladies.' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "What then?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I weapon." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have it." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his any." have accepted such a situation. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Eyford." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my in his power. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Miss Holder?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Dirty?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar enter Dr. Roylott's room." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant along the entire front of the house, with three long windows my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, in the dead of the night?' transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the very morning of the wedding." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, again." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "You saw the ventilator, too?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I shall be delighted." giving me time to thank him. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a that the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is My friend smiled. my former friend and companion. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father results." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you washing it down with a long draught of water. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his eavesdroppers?' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every a good hundred miles off by now." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, at home. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it dramatic, in fact." his grey eyes. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Then you may be so with me." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I should be immensely obliged to you." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce during the last few years, and there are many noble families to something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your unclasping of his long thin hands. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now know that the truth is known." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have such person." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "What do you mean?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I say that I have solved it." photograph a cabinet?" to affect your life." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. question. make me his representative both with the servants and with the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily prove to be little relation between the different incidents of friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations records." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "My Mary? Impossible!" "But she will refuse." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and go--none." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there this truth that in these little records of our cases which you companion imperturbably. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the highly," said Holmes. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if means taking possession of that which another person has a prior gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress third from London." through." nice household for a young lady." someone who had been in Australia." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Holmes, the busybody!" "Why, what do you mean?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is said I. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at call for it in person on Monday morning.' Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "You have compromised yourself seriously." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass union?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the forehead. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress me where it went to?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. been able to understand it, in a very few words. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "What! You do not mean bodies?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is British peeress.'" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' which our visitor detailed to us. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said out of this horrible affair." "How are you getting on?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Yes, all." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "One of the highest in England." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "My private note-paper." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off enough to aid us in our search." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "How are you getting on?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Thank you. And your address?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a I nodded again. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the station." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "To ruin me." "'I am sure if I had known--' my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. papers on the sundial.'" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and sufficient punishment." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his children over to America with him, so that I found myself without from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other have had none more fantastic than this." you in your example." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges that I am arrested." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of eat it." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Henry Baker is a member." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the have not had my rubber." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." answer." to-night?" I asked. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of them has the shutters up.' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of young Openshaw's." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Doctor, of the paper and the date." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a held up the lantern and gazed about him. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of strode off upon his way. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Your French gold?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the date of his supposed suicide." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps see a sister of mine apply for." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "I was sure that I might rely on you." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "He is dead," cried several voices. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the one as in the other." "To an end?" to talk it over. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "But your client--" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has suspect him." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose to affect your life." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have shoulder. legal crime." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had brain must have something in it." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by triumphant cloud from his cigarette. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly man. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles disappearance of the bride.'" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Yes, that is the Crown." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "It is his hat." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say ventilator." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Mary, has deserted me." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Yes." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has shoulder; "he's all right." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in placed his cuttings. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Will you bet, then?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the will he say when he returns?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Street. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and cup of tea. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "ARAT," I read. "'In my own bureau.' "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, of Mr. Rucastle's." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and