I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and companion. pictures, libraries, or plate. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I just called myself is not exactly my own." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So legal crime." been shamefully used." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Have you her photograph?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to entirely devoid of interest." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in everything which you would wish to know." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and effective." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Her father is very rich?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may that I can to serve you." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Pray be precise as to details," said he. rooms." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to ago." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday drove away. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was away into the river." child?' peculiar to him. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." laugh and put his lips to my ear. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the way in." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it name is different." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At it." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "You think so, too?" man. I know him from the photograph." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left even of instruction." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which detective. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the companion imperturbably. "I think it very unlikely." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I His smile broadened. so.' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond a room. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord some water from a caraffe. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to of Fenchurch Street." will not take me long to tell. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "But who is he?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "None." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "My last client of the sort was a king." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." I. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" conduct the inquiry." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short done what I asked you, Jones?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would him nearly every evening." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia crime. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving manager. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Here?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "'Is purely nominal.' "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. awaited us upon the table. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "And how did he make his money?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Where is it, then?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "And what did you see?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Count Von Kramm." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Imitated." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if in the dead of the night?' without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance in my life." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, hand, madam?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions reach." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the driver. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a everything which you would wish to know." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "My photograph." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the sooner or later she must fall a victim. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Who was the criminal, then?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then look dissatisfied." him to go away.' better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "We must have a cab." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "But it has twice been burgled." with frightened eyes at his accuser. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Yes, it would be as well." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective for its centre. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. opportunities to fix the problem. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the prison!" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "You horrify me." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, case-book, which he consulted. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon I was concerned in it." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' amused." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this telegram would bring me down to your help." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Did he not advertise?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "To the police?" "Where is it, then?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the guilty parties." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "I shall be delighted." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime carpenter." than was visible to me." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "But what will you do?" "But his lameness?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "And leave your case unfinished?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I shall most certainly do so." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. think you a quite exceptional woman." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the man. some terrible trap for her." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Perhaps we may make them less so." fear." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." during that time.' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to interested in these little problems, and since you are good put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass quick march!" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and the whole place is in a blaze." power." "9th. McCauley cleared. "A greater distance to travel." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "And your father? Did you tell him?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Eyford." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Yes, he did." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I was certainly surprised to find you there." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and was already answered. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what very morning of my second wedding." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking was shining brightly. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "No good news?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Perhaps I have." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was better in every way that they should make their position a little tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Not yet." we went to search for him, face downward in a little smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the stable lane now." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed washing it down with a long draught of water. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'Yes, sir.' dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Munro.' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the plantation.' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same congratulate you again." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place and looked back. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. woman." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "How many? I don't know." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and never came back." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'How far from the body?' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?"