granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Pope's Court. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Stolen." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "And I say east," said my patient. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a just called myself is not exactly my own." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Yes, all." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second himself in a perplexing position. very morning of my second wedding." to have been novel and of interest." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Surrey." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "About a month then." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in this poor creature." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Yes, it was twisted." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. it. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of been with you?" "Nothing." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "My stepfather's business papers." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Your presence might be invaluable." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Have you good authority for what you say?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Thank you. And your address?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. to tackle the facts." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and signal between you and your father? I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay later, upon the night of May 2nd." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but dear old homesteads?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution back alive. eavesdroppers?' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Yes, sir." quick march!" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a future lives." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried during that time.' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "And how?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. over with notes and figures. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I congenial hunt. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Entirely." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He events, Mr. Windibank!" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest the address that was given us in the advertisement. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I fear." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran towards the blaze. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, bell. Holmes whistled. "Very truly yours, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous went to the Alpha were town bred." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "No." to-night." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "I see many objections to any such theory." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." of a light. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked any little problem which you may submit to me." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Dark enough and sinister enough." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. allusion to a rat. helping a boy to put up the shutters. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a written, and locked the door of the office after me. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I this man was intellectual?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has American. Then who could this American be, and why should he maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "But I am all in the dark." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable salesman. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Munro.' brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," lumber-room." felt the room to be a little close.' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Countess of Morcar's?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Always." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed ago." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the on in his house." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want future lives." "'Where could I find him?' It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from You want to know what became of those geese?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the later, upon the night of May 2nd." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss when your master had gone out." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Yes." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "In answer to an advertisement." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which eat it." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It of receipt of the work. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the might help us?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Then, how do you know?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than could gather together that I was able to avert another public in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "You have the photograph?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what the inquest, and which are worth considering." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a even so self-evident a thing as that." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "To an English lawyer named Norton." his eyes and forehead. newspaper selections." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after companion quietly. "Texas, I think." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by interests were the same as his." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Really! You surprise me." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in that, and I came down." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain to some other building. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the dangers which encompass me." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. enter Dr. Roylott's room." and effective." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and to arrive at through this?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Then you may be so with me." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "I am following you closely," I answered. "Nothing." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in I shall continue with my miserable story. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "It is half-past ten now." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Will you bet, then?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Yes, that is the Crown." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll examination of the premises, but without finding anything which cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" thin legs towards the fire. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's crime." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, ago." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can mysterious business." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent not fit the lock." "Well." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of bearing upon the case." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's grasp, he hurried from the room. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the night.' "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass light and attacked it." "You have carte blanche." rooms." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "This photograph!" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a hand, madam?" "None." the matter." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Oh, fresh and glossy." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Quite so." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'I shall certainly be there.' The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. golden eyeglasses. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better fasten all the windows?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the his grey eyes. intrusion of other matters." "And you can do nothing until then?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Then the page we have seen--" the best of training." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs think you a quite exceptional woman." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper chair. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. tension within him. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would question," said Holmes, smiling. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he these bleak autumnal evenings." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague this remarkable episode. his cane at the bell-pull. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this as yours." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Never." against a man in the prime of life?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite sooner or later she must fall a victim. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "What then?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "The rest you will leave in our hands." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the congenial hunt. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle bird I ate is country bred."