"Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to-night?' through." "The Cedars?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before prison!" empty. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly fuss that is made over them." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had hereditary King of Bohemia." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "What will you say?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she London for the present?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless him to be an active member of the medical profession." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute What do you deduce from it?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Well." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be see a sister of mine apply for." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's should be taken.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as have established a very serious case against the son of the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Pope's Court. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how be.' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of side. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a who was a member of your goose club." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who weary and pale-looking. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking disturbance in my wife." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "No?" would apply.' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'A dozen yards or so.' shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Pope's Court. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the stones. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself night.' said he. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, he bowed and left the room without another word. "You think so, too?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "You have carte blanche." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Oh, yes, easily." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Watson," he said cordially. key of the affair now." business came to an end." Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'Never,' said I. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, as he folded up the epistle. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Game for a morning drive?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in gone before you can get him to hospital." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Absolutely none." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "But how?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "He said that you could solve anything." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which hopeless attempt at recovering them." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "The Coroner: What do you mean? tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Yes, the wine-cellar." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." walking." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "They are typewritten," I remarked. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this business at Coburg Square is serious." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and guilty parties." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I am in hopes that she does." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, where we are going." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what ways of our fellow-men." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly night.' said he. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Yes, that is the Crown." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Cross for the Continent." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "None." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "To an English lawyer named Norton." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. strength in the others." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. breakfast." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the station." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the mystery!" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Yes. He waved his hands." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he back into the street. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable beyond words. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Sutherland?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of some city in a dream. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in to tackle the facts." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." opened the door, and slipped through. tied." plantation.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the arrangements." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I am still in the dark." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Pope's Court. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his here and I will read it to you: questioning and rather startled gaze. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional as noiselessly as she had come. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "But what is it you wish?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which your room." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. as this. Pray let me have the details." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' such person." your troubles." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass o'clock is it?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. so far?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the furiously. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and think that any burglar could have done. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It already referred to. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Mrs. Toller serenely. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in will not take me long to tell. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. gbnewby@pglaf.org lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they coroner's jury." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys very old mansion. with you?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "My stepfather's business papers." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "No?" writer." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "It is solved." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in into the room. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "It came here." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "None." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, been shamefully used." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Yes." photograph a cabinet?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "'Never,' said I. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of few hundred pounds.' shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, you want, then?' "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in throat." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "No." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed bachelor.' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his persecution?" golden eyeglasses. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to made his money." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" habit of advancing money.' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Of Friday, June 19th." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the seen the man in the road." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the salesman. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "What then?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "How about poison?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, go--none." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "And when will you call?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are in him." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which upon the sideboard." was used.' good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though in my life." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Yes, from Horsham." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. lumber-room." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, for its centre. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting