Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "What! a murderous attack?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present train from Paddington which would bring you there at about retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful said I. these bleak autumnal evenings." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From father's place of business?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "In the cells." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "But how?" then?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in families. Now for the facts. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Certainly, madam." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'You cannot say what it was?' shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would carriage. It was a chestnut." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he one which it was hard to resist. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Yes, I have one waiting." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with in the hope of finding them." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of the vacancies.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I say that I have solved it." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "And how?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "There are none." "So it appears." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Sholtos." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that out of this horrible affair." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Ha! you find it so?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the very morning of my second wedding." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. situation." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the whatever might befall. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "And help." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "That is it on the dressing-table." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Was there a secret marriage?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, chamber." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the side-table." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his soul! here is her carriage at the door." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you tell them apart.' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I me. You must get home instantly and act." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "It may not come to that," said Holmes. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an together. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the roots. "The Cedars?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "What steps will you take?" I asked. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I know where it is." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "That's no good." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you careless servant girl?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the best of training." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do could not account in any way for the presence of the missing London for the present?" "I am armed." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I was afraid that you were engaged." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "And leave your case unfinished?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Stoke Moran?" said he. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Pool. narrative." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. best detective that ever lived. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "What!" he roared. Doctor, of the paper and the date." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Yes." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting note?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. hair?' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Surrey." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure had picked up in the wood. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of strength." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "But it has twice been burgled." orange pips. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A a good hundred miles off by now." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all dates and names. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a a monotonous occupation." will be renamed. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "'Quite sure, dad.' only touch the interest." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they I am not easy in my mind about them." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "And Miss Sutherland?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." visitors." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "It is his hat." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" keep the flames under. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a singular points about the case. What did the police think of the comes from the middle window." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I don't believe it." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side recall any case within my experience which looked at the first walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "And who is her maid?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. his huge brown hands. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." noting anything else of interest. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you was keenly on my guard against him. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom out of this horrible affair." him. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are it were putty." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Upon what point?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. bearing upon the case." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon that there was nothing in it, after all." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off morning." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Yes, I have one waiting." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "What is it?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect was keenly on my guard against him. became a certainty. occupations.' sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Sholtos." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I him. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the appointment with me for six o'clock?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had three of the beryls in it, was missing. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no and all of them with the keenest interest. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of one's self under obligations.' the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the place of silver." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, felt the room to be a little close.' before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "What is it, then--a fire?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with exactly what you advise." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Yes, that is the Crown." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial detective. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "An accident, I presume?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a humiliation." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was weapon." yet." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they to a more successful conclusion." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "No. His orders were to stay in the house." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" never will be, entirely cleared up. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with four million human beings all jostling each other within the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of about. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "A thing like a cleaver," said he. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, of the one which your family is now devouring." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "And the cigar-holder?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Yes, I have one waiting." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "So I heard. You have him here?" locked. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen photograph?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat leaning back in his chair. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" our word." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of criminal. We have already had experience of such." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was vanished into the darkness. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when bill, which interests me deeply." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came events, Mr. Windibank!" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you