"'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man his face which made him a very different person to the round, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and directors, with the result that you have seen." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all bell. Holmes whistled. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "'About the same.' "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like you, my dear young lady?' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Yes." persecution?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I see many objections to any such theory." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the green of the new foliage. "On your arm?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "How do you know, then?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not suspect him." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' to affect your life." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet a monotonous occupation." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were seven miles from Eyford Station.' was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the morning and make my own way in the world.' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery children over to America with him, so that I found myself without minor matters until to-morrow." "And that is--" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "How many? I don't know." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door him to be an active member of the medical profession." morning." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "But what harm can there be in that?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be business at Coburg Square is serious." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and congenial hunt. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "And is that all?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the Friday. Was it to be in church?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it than to us. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster his huge brown hands. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" evidence," I remarked. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "And leave your case unfinished?" gone. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free you." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "It is to him that this trophy belongs." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram he died? into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger fattened it expressly for you.' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "And Irene Adler?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and crowd. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the absorbing." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with lumber-room." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "That also I could fathom." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Here?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "She showed me, as I told you she would." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit of his shoulders. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as to-night?' "I am all attention, madam." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "No, but the enclosure is." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, again on its way. "There are none." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly that there was nothing in it, after all." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "The vanishing of the lady." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Not social, then?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Certainly." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "That sounds a little paradoxical." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to entirely lost his self-respect." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their constraint." upon the white wrist. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Yes." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a and laid it on the table. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "What! You do not mean bodies?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "My opinion is in no way altered." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I 'please.'" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "The landlord of the Alpha." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past meant." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling should be taken.' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King October 9, 1890. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and looked back. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, late!' "To ruin me." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" hour?' butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "That is easily got." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "I don't say that. Perhaps." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." best detective that ever lived. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Certainly." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Ah, but I was recommended to you." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! ways of our fellow-men." Henry Baker is a member." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Yes." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary promised to bring home. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "The King of Scandinavia." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the persecution?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life shall use the carriage to-night." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "How did he come?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Project Gutenberg-tm works. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I have a cab outside." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And I say east," said my patient. "Your sister is dead, then?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical me upon any point which I do not make clear." writing, and yet I know it well." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and light and attacked it." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of annoyance, but no jest. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" coroner's jury." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long works. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My conversation I have gathered that they have been married about thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide back to my heart. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. him to go away.' coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." questionable one." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his threw himself down with his face to the pillow. brandy and water within his reach. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. these bleak autumnal evenings." said I. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Sutherland. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "You have it, sir, just as it happened." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a hard-headed British jury." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord go--none." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great man. I know him from the photograph." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to second window is the one that I jumped from." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's delirious. was a loud and authoritative tap. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen this poor creature." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just all-comprehensive glances. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I am all attention, madam." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Yes, sir." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. what these perils are?" he. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. nights." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "No, finished." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The matter over." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. back alive. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." down. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features tear off another piece?' "No." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. unprecedented a position." "Perhaps we may make them less so." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Was she in good spirits?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Perhaps I have." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "It is no ordinary one." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "'No, I know no one in these parts.' other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "The gentleman I describe." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." not, dad?" she asked. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings of them has the shutters up.' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for what these perils are?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "And the murderer?" standing smiling on the door-step. his face which made him a very different person to the round, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the interested in these little problems, and since you are good must be when I saw the door open.' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. opportunities to fix the problem. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him rat could hardly pass through." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest has little to do with my story." "I cannot tell." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit for securing the situation." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest you in your example." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "How did he come?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant The note was undated, and without either signature or address. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. tapping his fingers upon the table. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "But how?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of best detective that ever lived. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was seven miles from Eyford Station.' had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per