had no one to advise her at such a crisis." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man use an arc-and-compass breastpin." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Then, how do you know?" friend's singular character. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Her father is very rich?" have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Will you bet, then?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the coronet at all injured?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting burst out into a roar of laughter. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Pray continue your narrative." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "How about poison?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "But you have hopes?" Eyford." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such and that he would see to anything that turned up. little trying to do so much typewriting?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Perhaps we may make them less so." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." to-night's adventure." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "No legal papers or certificates?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Well, it is a possible supposition." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "To ruin me." "How about poison?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the interested in these little problems, and since you are good parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that business in the City. She little knew what. particular state visit http://pglaf.org right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for any more." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he four million human beings all jostling each other within the address. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "That you are never beaten." bedroom door." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "You know me, then?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" her also." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over than to us. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "But I am all in the dark." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the congenial hunt. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both his grey eyes. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' him!" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical less than 26s. 4d. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Certainly, madam." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are perplexity from it to my illustrious client. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to have that photograph." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "How did he come?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution vault. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it DAMAGE. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held in a friendly supper." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed events than those which have happened in my own family." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are approach us with offers to donate. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole chance at all." "I am still in the dark." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon at home. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought so far?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I was afraid that you were engaged." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Count Von Kramm." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his this as likely?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every an introduction to him?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the me. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for to Leatherhead. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "What steps will you take?" I asked. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss salesman. Henry Baker is a member." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "It may not come to that," said Holmes. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to a suggestive one." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. woman." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "It is a murder, then?" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "And your father? Did you tell him?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and floor. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Street. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Then I do not see the point." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most depend upon your compliance." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the nights." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'Yes.' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, crowd. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY there!' lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a are, I think, all that we need." in the dead of the night?' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Never." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Then I do not see the point." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of get her out of the way." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Well, but China?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Pray do so." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have beyond words. might help us?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Holmes." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'Then let me do so?' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Quite so." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in affair. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Bought." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and good-night and bustled off upon her way. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the crackling voice. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "When did she vanish, then?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, stammered. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Well, it is a possible supposition." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your wedding?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing perplexity from it to my illustrious client. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "But his left-handedness." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup meanly of me." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the fluttered off among the others. "'Certainly not.' "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, meant it for the best. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "And what did you see?" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand of the efforts of the United States government and of the better slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Then he might have called to you?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. other lovers by making love himself." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Not particularly." business?" Clair, of Lee." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, never came back." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Dirty?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from night.' said he. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at floor. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug was a lad." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that more solid." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet public press." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and without a word or a look. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself may have an influence upon European history." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and you in your example." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' which it had come upon my father." one else, I think." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Precisely." "I shall be delighted." "And help." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. his cane at the bell-pull. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my appeal." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she there were one or two details which were new to me. But the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young murdered man." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Which are?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. learned something! Where are the gems?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Then how many are there?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so face and glided from the room. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended never will be, entirely cleared up. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "He said that you could solve anything." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We article?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly already referred to. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. other, as fresh and trim as possible. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did again before evening." shoulder. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed some place of shelter and let the county police know what has revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" chill to my heart. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, of his shoulders. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere."