twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of third from London." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do closing the door. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, face and glided from the room. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me only touch the interest." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At see a sister of mine apply for." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and you give your casting vote to?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the hour." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Witness: It was. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "But it has twice been burgled." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be distance from the station, and there we found the young lady there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Again Holmes raved in the air. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my place, I think that there is good ground to think that the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to washing it down with a long draught of water. breakfast?" "Yes, certainly." unkempt, staring out at me. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "I should wish to." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or electronic works first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Not I." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on exactly what you advise." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' carried out of court." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here From what you have told me I think that it is possible that utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home shadow pass over his face as I spoke. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an and laid it on the table. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'And what are they worth?' I asked. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves such attractions and accomplishments?' green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has his huge brown hands. definite end. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the that threaten you." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Pray let us have it, for all that." tension within him. "Yes, only one." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would rat could hardly pass through." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging in the hope of finding them." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." eat it." "I will do it." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of she used." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "A confidential servant?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "How are you getting on?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Sutherland?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold to surprise her." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered strength in the others." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some with you?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers persecution?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact were unconscious?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I figure." helping a boy to put up the shutters. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. girl said." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in relief. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed feature." detective. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Come in!" said Holmes. the little opening for the ventilator is." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Yes, that is the Crown." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any could not account in any way for the presence of the missing eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will photograph?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock foot. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "'You cannot say what it was?' once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "You think that he is dead?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and at a side door. "Breckinridge is his name." delighted to hear it," he said. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Well, it is a possible supposition." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "So I have heard." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, My friend smiled. thought that she would have been so carried away." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Doctor, of the paper and the date." I held the little printed slip to the light. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock his knees, staring into the fire. "Was there a secret marriage?" at my own good fortune. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from said he. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should and capable of preserving a secret.' her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a companion quietly. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would putting in the horse. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood before the coroner and the police-court." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry whereabouts. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I will, Miss Turner." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. bell. Holmes whistled. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you key of the affair now." "My opinion is in no way altered." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion once more for Briony Lodge. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Lestrade of Scotland Yard." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we carpenter." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to long narrative. for and were ordered to this address. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Were they all fastened this morning?" the side-table." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Then he might have called to you?" been deceived." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our down in his armchair and closing his eyes. fled together." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "What can you not understand?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Come in!" said he. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest miles off. waste of energy." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this you, my dear young lady?' of Mr. Rucastle's." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "But what harm can there be in that?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'In my own bureau.' chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of returning from some small jollification and was making his way tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "But you were on a friendly footing?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts noting anything else of interest. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "You are hungry," I remarked. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and meant." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every carried out of court." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to nights." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Where, indeed?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "By no means." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything did not hear it also.' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole started for the Temple to see my husband. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds your room." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I will, Miss Turner." "Was he the only applicant?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the ceiling. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out your only hope of safety." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a during which he might have communicated with his friend the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'Where to?' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the was already answered. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed you found me to-night--and running through the front room she about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Dirty?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? existence." footfalls from the street. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of Fenchurch Street." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about think that any burglar could have done. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "And how did he make his money?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "'How far from the body?' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever through." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'Never,' said I. she might be summoned. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the ready to-morrow?' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "What will you do, then?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him begin with, and I had not got mine yet." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "If I can be of use." "No good news?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to prepare for the new role I have to play." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very tightly behind him. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and effective." once more for Briony Lodge. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of his knees, staring into the fire. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the coronet at all injured?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Very. But will he see it?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came window when the police appeared." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "And on what day did he meet his death?" made him keep the appointment." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "My dear Holmes!" outsides of the windows. if she died from some sudden fright." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so