"A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this redistribution. "It is a murder, then?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every to-night?' time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "It certainly sounds feasible." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up bell. Holmes whistled. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining some water from a caraffe. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words business came to an end." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "And help." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "How can you tell that?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." page at http://pglaf.org and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "But who is he?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" habit of advancing money.' day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "The doctor?" "But how will you look?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not noting anything else of interest. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Yes." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. know that the truth is known." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the date of his supposed suicide." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the what I may call a really hard day's work." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive if she died from some sudden fright." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very delighted to hear it," he said. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "ARAT," I read. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "But how will you look?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was problems help me to do so." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he were wasted." Munro.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed out of this horrible affair." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon hereditary King of Bohemia." "My dear Holmes!" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, a very grave face. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Did you become engaged then?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Come in!" said he. he bowed and left the room without another word. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "In heaven's name, what for?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "One?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must newspaper selections." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. them present such singular features as the strange train of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a easy-going way." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Deserted you?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "My dear Holmes!" "He disappeared so suddenly." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, I. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and I. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the is acting for the best. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Have you good authority for what you say?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Why serious?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back were wasted." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he client, rising. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, murdered man." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "None. Neville wrote those words." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and results." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that narrative." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'Ten to two.' "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it fashion which was peculiar to him. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another see a sister of mine apply for." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big seen the man in the road." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it not interfere, come what may. You understand?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "And why?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred My friend smiled. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It criminal. We have already had experience of such." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, colour had been driven from his face. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her distance from the station, and there we found the young lady it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "'Certainly not. But why?' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from goes." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'Where could I find him?' key turn in the lock." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "No, I had a dozen." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the companion. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" sake, don't!" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'Very good.' and laid it on the table. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but amused." golden eyeglasses. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Holmes rather sternly. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "It's nothing of the kind." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I promise," said Holmes. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying will be renamed. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new and put his glass in his pocket. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Yes, I have one waiting." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Ample." have got?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a been anything against him. He had for years been known as a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily completely overtopped every other consideration that we both manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect she has been waylaid. There has been no result." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his everything which you would wish to know." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if despair." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most better grown goose." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback to me. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "'About the same.' "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. touch that coronet?' confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea and that he would see to anything that turned up. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is some terrible trap for her." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of it were putty." "Very murderous indeed." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the do you make of it all?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "But how did you gain them?" status with the IRS. giving me time to thank him. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the this unhappy family?" must compliment you." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted she to prove their authenticity?" place of silver." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "And how did you verify them?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "That also I could fathom." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master detained." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then to miss it." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money mysterious business." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the trying to your nerves." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing were wasted." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Imitated." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "No, my brougham is waiting." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "What, then, did Peterson do?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'Yes, sir.' "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Dr. Becher's." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the politicians who had been sent down from the North. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Sholtos." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for again." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Edgeware Road. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "You know me, then?" unclasping of his long thin hands. business?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this attention." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "It was an hour's good drive." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to