the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." morning." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down showing my impatience. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. if she died from some sudden fright." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had breakfast and whispered something to her husband. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day miles off. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the stable lane now." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn you." I shall continue with my miserable story. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no morning." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we is worth.' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'Certainly not. But why?' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "She told me to ask you." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always one of the states of the Union." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to so.' that he will be back before evening." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a throat." with the outside air!" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "No more words. Get out!" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot tell him that I know him to be innocent." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "What?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the south-west, I see." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "It is solved." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she and all of them with the keenest interest. his knees, staring into the fire. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Deserted you?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian photograph?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than stalked out of the room. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "By all means." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet that I can to serve you." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "You will not go there first?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "No, but the enclosure is." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found sofa. This way, please!" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "That is possible." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the dangers which encompass me." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. prison!" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Then you may entirely rely on me." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Could he throw no light?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into there in twenty minutes." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must followed. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." roused himself from his reverie. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Was your sister dressed?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had shoulder; "he's all right." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I have hopes." bled considerably." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a coat-tails." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'Yes, it was gone.' bill, which interests me deeply." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my writers could invent nothing more crude." started for the Temple to see my husband. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of gone before you can get him to hospital." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white leaning back in his chair. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I tail." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." never to learn it at all." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no begin with, and I had not got mine yet." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "That is possible." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in and shall probably return to London by the evening train." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "How on earth--" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that again before evening." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle goes." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. status with the IRS. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back cigar and let me expound." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love have had none more fantastic than this." "No, I had a dozen." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that back alive. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I am all attention, madam." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he it." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "If I can be of use." "What! Had he lost his wife?" formed some opinion?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after to take care of herself." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Yes, it would be as well." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned is a common subject for conversation. was feeling which was the fattest.' hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I in my life." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything paper in the air. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon business?" in darkness. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "One of his hands." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." that I can to serve you." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your there is a decided draught." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Doctor, of the paper and the date." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not hands. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "What are they?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Nothing." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Leave Paddington by the 11:15." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that to talk it over. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "I promise," said Holmes. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been silent! Oh, he will be silent!' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but his eyes and forehead. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Yes. He waved his hands." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is she might be summoned. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "So I heard. You have him here?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the side-table." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, once more. "How did you trace it, then?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you cost them two and thirty pounds." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the armchair which I pushed forward for him. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second again, where I was soon asleep. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "No, I am descending." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in gone. "It was." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's vanished into the darkness. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE status with the IRS. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "But what is it you wish?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I The King stared at him in amazement. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the matters immensely." or in danger--" before the coroner and the police-court." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his correct than the official force." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "I beg pardon." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." humiliation." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her felt?" locked." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Texas, I think." "Where to?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy showing my impatience. "Then how many are there?" "I cannot think." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had future lives." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'In my own bureau.' low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly questionable one." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "And it is--" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "How did you trace it, then?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the of a light. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "On your arm?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent