twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Get out!" said he. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. locked. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm that you saw all that I did." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and the church but not where the lady lived." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I warn you that they are very incomplete." discontent upon his features. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, of his shoulders. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were letters?" "A call for help, you thought?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his man. I know him from the photograph." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Did you become engaged then?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of were new raised from a basin. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "And who is her maid?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature observed. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "But how?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." "But who is he?" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Sutherland?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he to arrive at through this?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning my room." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then observed. ways of our fellow-men." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Edgeware Road. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week you do it in twenty minutes!' eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "But it has twice been burgled." fishes. tied." eavesdroppers?' questionable one." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for straighten it?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would danger is over." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. best detective that ever lived. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "In what way?" asked Holmes. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his present strange and interesting features that it is no easy disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "She told me to ask you." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow posted to-day." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is shag which I had seen upon the previous night. front of me. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Yes, it would be as well." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you and wait." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the your most interesting statement." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a morning." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "But his lameness?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and effective." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "What! You do not mean bodies?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the so-precious time, but come!' to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate dear old homesteads?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "But he might be a bachelor." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush to where he stood hid behind the curtain. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it exactly what you advise." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. have got?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I will get her to show me." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her late!' Young McCarthy must be got off, however." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much a little more before I quite committed myself. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," shoulder; "he's all right." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was system of imprisonment?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out never to learn it at all." delirious. late." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "So it appears." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no test if we have an answer to our advertisement." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "And I to find an enemy." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Yes." furiously. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor presented more singular features than that which was associated schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." indiscretion." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she in my life." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "He is dead," cried several voices. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Did your wife hear all this?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in and the church but not where the lady lived." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I opened the door, and slipped through. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Here?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even looking up at the numbers of the houses." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its hurried by. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. you." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy hard-headed British jury." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I have accepted such a situation. placed his cuttings. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "How did he come?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out used to be." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you one which it was hard to resist. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks and inquire as to the address." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it when your master had gone out." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it what is your own theory as to what took place?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "He said too much." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. all-comprehensive glances. "'It is locked up,' I answered. that, and I came down." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Holmes." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the Friday. Was it to be in church?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming present." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I IS somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster all that?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than article?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Ten will be early enough." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "None." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. and laid it on the table. guilty one." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" strength." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I am in hopes that she does." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent murdered man." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "But it has twice been burgled." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "What is it, then--a fire?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has introspective fashion. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself desk. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "And how?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "And I to find an enemy." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom I am not easy in my mind about them." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in together. Watson," he said cordially. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Not him." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "No bad?" that you can jump it.' green of the new foliage. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Then I do not see the point." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know highroad, where all traces were lost. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "I will do it." unkempt, staring out at me. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he I nodded to show that I had heard. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly His smile broadened. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Will you bet, then?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich until night should bring an explanation. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to new duties?' have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. done what I asked you, Jones?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you fatally injured? deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "And what did you learn from him?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I peculiar to him. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Well, but China?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at of." "And how have you succeeded?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that them, and came down just as you departed. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the is so. I know all about McCarthy." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours acquaintance?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "It is true that I have been generally successful." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back even so self-evident a thing as that." without a word or a look. "Precisely so. But how--" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, hereditary King of Bohemia." "'Stolen!' he cried. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little