coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Why did you pick him?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there fire. You quite follow me?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business I shall continue with my miserable story. "Indeed! Whose, then?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "But not more so than I to find you." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove might have a private word with us. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any it? Did I buy the geese off you?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "What then?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Well, but China?" call you and give you the chance." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the character. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "But your client--" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I promise," said Holmes. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried fasten all the windows?" "None. Neville wrote those words." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "What do you make of that, Watson?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, for and were ordered to this address. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the better in every way that they should make their position a little Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "That's no good." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the During two years I have had three consultations and one small realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and to that open window." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to down. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her meant." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the night.' her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "You horrify me!" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "And who is her maid?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five suggested at once that there must be a communication between the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of any little problem which you may submit to me." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I cannot imagine." companion. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'Why that?' I asks. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything know all about it," he snarled. "I think that it is very probable." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, instituted." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one and inquire as to the address." "Whose house is it?" ways of our fellow-men." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, them?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the shoulder; "he's all right." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There fact, we may call it conclusive." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp his eyes and forehead. gives a meaning to it." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort miles off. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'Stolen!' he cried. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Then I can wait in the next room." "Yes." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a said Mr. Holder. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "The King of Scandinavia." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I photograph?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "None." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not towards the blaze. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "I cannot imagine." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I here and I will read it to you: "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, delirious. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Sholtos." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to take care of herself." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "One?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be interests were the same as his." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite your equipment. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "How are you getting on?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the asked with his eyes open. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "It is a murder, then?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank was used.' the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at not fit the lock." crowd. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "So I am. Very much so." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Oh, fresh and glossy." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella at a side door. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of whole matter to your consideration." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "In answer to an advertisement." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "The knees of his trousers." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. have I gained?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You used to be." "Yes." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off directors have had misgivings upon the subject." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Why, what do you mean?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very until night should bring an explanation. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." there when the Rucastles went away." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, chamber." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether excitement. formed some opinion?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I presented which may be striking and bizarre without being charge against him will break down." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no to change my dress. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of late!' Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell http://www.gutenberg.net bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out status with the IRS. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "But your client--" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late house for five minutes.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked impression behind it as though a window had gently closed pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Very. But will he see it?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "And for present expenses?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said affair. The events in question occurred in the early days of my was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I wall." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door companion. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which prepare for the new role I have to play." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows name is different." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Pray continue your narrative." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Yes." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Leadenhall Street--and--" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then or in danger--" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when happened." see me here to avoid scandal." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of to have that photograph." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his evidence," I remarked. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I think it very unlikely." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be derbies." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the delighted to hear it," he said. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Yes, at the mines." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his a very grave face. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "It looks newer than the other things?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves your only hope of safety." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Oh, fresh and glossy." writers could invent nothing more crude." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Edgeware Road. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "That is possible." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, learned something! Where are the gems?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and could go. "They are typewritten," I remarked. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had client, rising. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks DISSOLVED. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste certainly do as you advise." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding people in all walks of life. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your useful material for showing traces. The double line a little his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "But how?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the appointment with me for six o'clock?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "It is no ordinary one." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, be best to do. "But not more so than I to find you." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "There is the writing." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me place no limit on the sum I may draw." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "And leave your case unfinished?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that simple cases which are so extremely difficult." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Yes, sir." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was waste of energy." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her obstinate." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, seem to you to be relevant or not." His name is Francis Prosper." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point one's self under obligations.' "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a purpose equally well?" Holmes. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "No, but the enclosure is." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "What will you do, then?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Absolutely?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has chance at all." "Where did you address your letters, then?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step few hundred pounds.' "Come in!" said Holmes. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point visitors." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "The rest you will leave in our hands." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to