($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. death." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Edgeware Road. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Project Gutenberg-tm works. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Entirely." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another call the police, let the police find what they can.' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I again, where I was soon asleep. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Miss Holder?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house may never be exposed to such a temptation." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we I am not easy in my mind about them." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. attention." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the Friday. Was it to be in church?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "None." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "I don't believe it." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "But what is it you wish?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'About the same.' copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Literary Archive Foundation closely." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK intrusion of other matters." think you a quite exceptional woman." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "But of what society?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every away into the river." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge shadow pass over his face as I spoke. not personally threatened." do." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when least a most suspicious remark." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the date of his supposed suicide." as the one I chose?' opened a pocket-book and took out a note. been with you?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of which it had come upon my father." shall use the carriage to-night." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "But what harm can there be in that?" "'Quite sure, dad.' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." hereditary King of Bohemia." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send gentleman's clothes. "The best possible." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could noble correspondent could be. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "It's nothing of the kind." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe not within a twentieth part of the market price." charge against him will break down." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your everything which you would wish to know." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me detective. into the bag, and made for the door. obstinate." learned something! Where are the gems?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'I am sure that I do not know.' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the humiliation." the house with me." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine During two years I have had three consultations and one small "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way get her out of the way." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault License. You must require such a user to return or similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any o'clock is it?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Sutherland. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in invisible to me," I remarked. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe one's self under obligations.' invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "What I expected to see." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Then I do not see the point." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It is a murder, then?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make which our visitor detailed to us. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "But you were on a friendly footing?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway was keenly on my guard against him. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those done what I asked you, Jones?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "'Which dealer's?' standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of breakfast." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a as noiselessly as she had come. distinguish the words: clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to sparkled upon his finger. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three You can understand that this register and diary may implicate years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Why, what do you mean?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Witness: I must still refuse. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "May I see it?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. chill to my heart. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of do.' the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to that you wished to speak to me?' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting may have an influence upon European history." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." third from London." away to you." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "His face fell immediately. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Young McCarthy must be got off, however." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an to some other building. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party will find little credit to be gained out of this case." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter was lame." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It vanished into the darkness. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed subject to the trademark license, especially commercial union?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love feature." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an sake, don't!" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. and put his glass in his pocket. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the inquest, and which are worth considering." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "He disappeared so suddenly." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to this remarkable episode. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, to-night?" I asked. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. strength of mind to control. been with you?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most shall use the carriage to-night." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "'Where to?' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Yes." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of upon a handsome competence. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first head. So long, then!" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is on in his house." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is go from here to the Strand." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss persecution?" made him keep the appointment." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about infinite languor in his face. the loss of it. "Yesterday." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Your presence might be invaluable." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Proceed, then." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which round with crates and massive boxes. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that where we are going." Where does the thing come from?' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Most admirably.' discontent upon his features. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the bed, and you in that chair." assist you in forming an opinion." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, interested in these little problems, and since you are good his face. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "No." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been read it out to me." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Not him." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "I am about to be married." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I came to find a friend." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "How often?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my possible that we could bring him back to her? not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the populous neighbourhood." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. had this final quarrel? having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "He might." and I shall be with you presently." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Chief Executive and Director with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from with frightened eyes at his accuser. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a nonsense.' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Lee, in the county of Kent." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "What?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I should be immensely obliged to you." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were here." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "No more words. Get out!" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I am in hopes that she does." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "My stepfather's business papers." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, gbnewby@pglaf.org assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. purpose equally well?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my bed dies. Does not that strike you?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was conversation I have gathered that they have been married about winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. official police." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "In the cells." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the from you?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must tail." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish as noiselessly as she had come. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." you." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside fattened it expressly for you.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Oh, fresh and glossy." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "This photograph!" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "What is it, then--a fire?" "I cannot imagine." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." I took the paper from him and read as follows: hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the foot. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Then you may be so with me." "Here?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Seven!" I answered. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now