glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last tassel actually lying upon the pillow. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll when your master had gone out." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "My private note-paper." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a late!' tail." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not retorted upon me, and I on you." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "A greater distance to travel." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "But what is it you wish?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the I nodded again. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Yes." strong and stiff." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "I shall most certainly do so." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was cigar and let me expound." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far without success. At last the little money which I had saved began my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done one else, I think." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own are, and they are waiting for us." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And from a noble client?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself ways of our fellow-men." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the coronet at all injured?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the tragedy. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger upon an income of about 60 pounds." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "How can you tell that?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no cigar and let me expound." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with purpose equally well?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then to some other building. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry is worth.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Yes." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because companion quietly. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the Friday. Was it to be in church?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. dead, shall be safe with us." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Holmes' thin, eager face. the room while you explain this matter?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Why did you pick him?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my writing, and yet I know it well." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to who was a member of your goose club." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls writing, and yet I know it well." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to geese which you supplied to the Alpha." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with important." beg that you will break it off." "'Where to?' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a happened." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She down in his armchair and closing his eyes. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "That is not always so easy." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself strange features which were associated with the two crimes which so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is fait accompli?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" spark where all is dark to me." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do answered with a sidelong glance. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business weigh very heavily upon my conscience." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as nothing of it?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled back alive. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." mystery." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Ha! you find it so?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie constraint." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and rat could hardly pass through." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and success. and glanced through. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house thought that she would have been so carried away." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Can I be of assistance?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we started for the Temple to see my husband. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "My stepfather's business papers." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain to change my dress. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" awkward doing business with an alias." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at works. See paragraph 1.E below. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have 1.F. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" was lame." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' fattened it expressly for you.' II. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the You want to know what became of those geese?" question," said Holmes, smiling. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, himself to tell his story. at home. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case nothing of it?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself breakfast?" in the port of London." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day directors, with the result that you have seen." Clair, of Lee." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said note?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ My friend smiled. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "None." "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Will you go?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "He said too much." that you saw all that I did." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of tear off another piece?' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with voice. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British threw himself down with his face to the pillow. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Nothing?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently me have 200 pounds?' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin dramatic, in fact." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was himself to hunt down. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "In heaven's name, what for?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Is purely nominal.' bill, which interests me deeply." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the Assizes." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, four million human beings all jostling each other within the really the only notable feature about the thing." vanished into the darkness. felt the room to be a little close.' "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand out." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British closely." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us in his hands." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, fatally injured? remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much fluttered off among the others. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." little adventures." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled formed some opinion?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. was already answered. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with even so self-evident a thing as that." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just speckled band?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "But how?" Holmes." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. new duties?' particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "To an end?" was keenly on my guard against him. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "VIOLET HUNTER." just called myself is not exactly my own." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the it. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me see me here to avoid scandal." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "And the cigar-holder?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "'Stolen!' he cried. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so both be extremely obliged.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of and inquire as to the address." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and away into the river." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. charged with?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I have come for advice." golden eyeglasses. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of appeal." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "No. His orders were to stay in the house." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling useful material for showing traces. The double line a little remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than him, that man would not have given me such complete information shag which I had seen upon the previous night. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle that he has suffered." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the night.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." him." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you a good hundred miles off by now." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the side-table." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly you, my dear young lady?' passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss point in the dark hollow of his hand. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture ago." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Never." Arthur Conan Doyle "Upon what point?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was galvanised. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope entirely lost his self-respect." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and shall use the carriage to-night." beg that you will break it off." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "And is that all?"