but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'What then?' I asked. morning." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "No legal papers or certificates?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to name is different." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "'I am sure that I do not know.' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I will not look." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I was it brought him the coronet? was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in ran thus: better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "To ruin me." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but go back?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but again before evening." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the coroner come to?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Yes." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'Where could I find him?' presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'Certainly not.' The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Ha! you find it so?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the one else, I think." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "If so, much may have happened between." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which in your London, you will know that the office of the company is moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took not as remarkable as your advertisement." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and dear old homesteads?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "You have carte blanche." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to have not had my rubber." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid here and I will read it to you: "And your mother is alive?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the may never be exposed to such a temptation." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my never came back." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the stammered. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. my friend's incisive reasoning. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the absorbing." again on its way. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut asked. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." if I call to-morrow?" Arthur Conan Doyle gentleman's clothes. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'I am sure that I do not know.' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "None." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon o'clock is it?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they prison!" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of." "Did you observe the colour?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the bed, and you in that chair." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham particular state visit http://pglaf.org Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "That is also quite modern," said the lady. matter." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently train.' little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Perhaps I have." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless sound at heart." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the undoubtedly my uncle's." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Yesterday." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and so.' "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was seven miles from Eyford Station.' taking in every detail of the apartment. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." himself to tell his story. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first shoulder. quick march!" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to amused." Heh?' arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so that threaten you." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I of campaign. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in second window is the one that I jumped from." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I 1.E.9. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Yes." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "'I have heard so.' Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his ago." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and you." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Why, what do you mean?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it a very grave face. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. closing the door. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "But you can know nothing of this?" "Yes, it would be as well." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" carriage. It was a chestnut." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through with frightened eyes at his accuser. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "She will not sell." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's in this note: nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will such attractions and accomplishments?' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Will you go?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." waste of energy." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact What do you deduce from it?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense to some other building. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into writer." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep cigars in their mouths. upon an income of about 60 pounds." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I his fortune, and I went back to pa. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Not I." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Oh, fresh and glossy." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "How often?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the station." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for The police have openly confessed that they can at present make the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which other lovers by making love himself." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' them present such singular features as the strange train of "I cannot as yet see any connection." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "ARAT," I read. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "It looks newer than the other things?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I imbecility!" he cried. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. helping a boy to put up the shutters. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than straighten it?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "By train from Waterloo." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was sooner or later she must fall a victim. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the stable lane now." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Where did he live, then?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "And how did you find out?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of was it brought him the coronet? It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his look upon these things in a different way." to-night." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Her father is very rich?" "'Which dealer's?' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question spark where all is dark to me." case before our client came into the room." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the about here speaks of his kindness to him." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," business came to an end." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Then, how do you know?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "How did you deduce the select?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Foundation were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Mary, has deserted me." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his useful material for showing traces. The double line a little to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." locked." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine strong reason behind." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what an introduction to him?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, During two years I have had three consultations and one small a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, direction." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. straightened it out again. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give The summons was a brief and urgent one. I. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and papers on the sundial.'" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and papers must be those that are destroyed.' highly," said Holmes. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "A thing like a cleaver," said he. 11:15.' and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "And Irene Adler?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his bedroom door." strode off upon his way. hair?' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and tell him that I know him to be innocent." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Precisely." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which