bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very seen the man in the road." "None." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? so far?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness sit on the left-hand side of the driver." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing spare." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "A call for help, you thought?" arrangements." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and of note-paper. It read in this fashion: were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and a suggestive one." vanished into the darkness. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the coronet in his hand?" him." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in in the hope of finding them." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It light and attacked it." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned used to be." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. your troubles." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Perhaps I have." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own rooms." "'Ten to two.' the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "It is half-past ten now." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Never to return." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance allusion to a rat. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature not, dad?" she asked. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. undoubtedly my uncle's." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Married! When?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good gone. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Mrs. Toller serenely. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert been deceived." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Yes, there are nearly always some there." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Murdered?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'Oh, no.' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Really! You surprise me." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of your equipment. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing own family. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be that you can jump it.' "Witness: It was. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get any more." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Which are?" eavesdroppers?' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora have I gained?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Perfectly so." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Watson," he said cordially. "Upon what point?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you arms and began to sob in a high treble key. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE you?' accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless to affect your life." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Foundation with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." This is what he says: to have been novel and of interest." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper was keenly on my guard against him. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he now. It seems that there had been some informality about their once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "But who is he?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "That is it on the dressing-table." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and laid it on the table. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover crime. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "And why?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the them?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he James Windibank. Voilà tout!" vault. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "I fear not." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "But she could not love him." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'What are you doing there?' he asked. walking." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "If I can be of use." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut jewels which you have stolen?' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then letters?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a face and glided from the room. have accepted such a situation. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that constraint." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a charge against him will break down." "You saw the ventilator, too?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "I see no marks." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she singular points about the case. What did the police think of the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "To ruin me." discontent upon his features. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the room while you explain this matter?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I was sure that I might rely on you." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "How did that help you?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad carpenter." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "It was." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "I will try. What is it?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend following enigmatical notices: platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "This concluded the examination of the witness." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman stalked out of the room. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so despaired of." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had heavy and sharp instrument." "The doctor?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then to his chemical studies. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said hereditary King of Bohemia." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their or other trace. But how on earth--" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Where did he live, then?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "'Oh, no.' On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his against a man in the prime of life?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity again, where I was soon asleep. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both had this final quarrel? he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I think it very unlikely." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you acted in my house last night?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." sound at heart." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "But it has twice been burgled." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "At what time?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "And it is--" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "From his hat?" and your relations to her." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out locked." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Deserted you?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So use an arc-and-compass breastpin." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Was your sister dressed?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. rat could hardly pass through." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Whose house is it?" Sholtos." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the 1.F. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I promise," said Holmes. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had golden eyeglasses. visitors." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, and put his glass in his pocket. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the was shining brightly. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his events than those which have happened in my own family." our word." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons upon a handsome competence. during that time.' the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been during that time.' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "In heaven's name, what for?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Was there a secret marriage?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has to change my dress. key turn in the lock." one of the states of the Union." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, developed." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Dr. Becher's." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the presume?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. fuss that is made over them." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other feature." generous with you in money matters.' rose-bushes. investigation." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "You are hungry," I remarked. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Yes, he did." the side-table." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "And it is--" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment indeed which he could not unravel. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call himself to tell his story. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the business?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her."