are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Was your sister dressed?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the the driver. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "What do you mean?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great morning." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon answer." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for DISSOLVED. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I and I shall be with you presently." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." events, Mr. Windibank!" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Street. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were was a loud and authoritative tap. asked. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, is so. I know all about McCarthy." him to be an active member of the medical profession." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given possible that we could bring him back to her? "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions yet." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" companion. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater newspaper selections." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. furiously. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. just called myself is not exactly my own." The events in question occurred in the early days of my particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that six. Come in!" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed in your London, you will know that the office of the company is surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "The decline of his fortunes, then?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and would apply.' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the matter." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Cross for the Continent." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the bled considerably." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned presume?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes place no limit on the sum I may draw." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "It came here." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has orange pips. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk certainly do as you advise." with you?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was what I may call a really hard day's work." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking dramatic, in fact." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the loss of it. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was in a very precise fashion." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. crime. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "What steps will you take?" I asked. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel of the way of danger. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside girl said." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of will he say when he returns?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." best detective that ever lived. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will standing smiling on the door-step. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, again, where I was soon asleep. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs obstinate." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Never." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known maid will bring up your coffee." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, once more to my work. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "But it has twice been burgled." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "No." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the matter." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." affection." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to certainly not very gracious." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Arthur Conan Doyle good-night and bustled off upon her way. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint bore every mark of being an average commonplace British married her." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Why serious?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had gigantic client. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms night.' said he. coat-tails." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "What do you mean?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of of Fenchurch Street." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "But it has twice been burgled." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones your billet.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Yes, he did." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no little trying to do so much typewriting?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about his fortune, and I went back to pa. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a could gather together that I was able to avert another public that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and if she died from some sudden fright." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "And I to find an enemy." written. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend child?' hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' at my own good fortune. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Where to?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "What! Had he lost his wife?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "In what way?" asked Holmes. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been she to prove their authenticity?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" I. morning." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Countess of Morcar's?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "I cannot think." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'Yes, it was gone.' this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I think that it is very probable." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "This photograph!" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove fashion which was peculiar to him. the so-precious time, but come!' slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide use an arc-and-compass breastpin." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining gives a meaning to it." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From as noiselessly as she had come. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "The murder was done with it." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting foot. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** you for a few hours?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Then you may entirely rely on me." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, three of the beryls in it, was missing. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for made him keep the appointment." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Was the window open?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your ago." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his man. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "That you are never beaten." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the tragedy. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your to affect your life." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said enough to aid us in our search." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'I am sure that I do not know.' away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "What! You do not mean bodies?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have allusion to a rat. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has down from London to inquire more deeply into it." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do of the one which your family is now devouring." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them considering the formidable letters which were received by himself inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." happened." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss to have that photograph." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' woven round him. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom mysterious business." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." chair. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "None." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in in a friendly supper." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the as he folded up the epistle. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Lee, in the county of Kent." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I to that open window." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's