quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "No." "10th. John Swain cleared. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in to a more successful conclusion." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which closing the door. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You lost his Christmas dinner." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to up this clue while it is still hot." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. wedding?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Whose house is it?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily have an American origin." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Mrs. Toller serenely. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'It is locked up,' I answered. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Watson," he said cordially. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will to tackle the facts." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been confronted him. politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old there has been an enclosure here!" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "The doctor?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my that I can to serve you." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the running down." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Gutenberg-tm License. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have himself. him to go away.' work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too promised to bring home. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may trifles." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Oh, fresh and glossy." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a over with notes and figures. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "'Entirely.' hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the tragedy. "But she will refuse." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that But Holmes shook his head gravely. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight purpose equally well?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Precisely." it." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must particular state visit http://pglaf.org side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us be.' That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" have established a very serious case against the son of the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Your presence might be invaluable." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all presume?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There it." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush entirely lost his self-respect." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Then, how do you know?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm subject to the trademark license, especially commercial magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "And I." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would silent! Oh, he will be silent!' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed suspect him." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. that you saw all that I did." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a knowledge of the world." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give tapping his fingers upon the table. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "If I can be of use." in the dead of the night?' has little to do with my story." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact any little problem which you may submit to me." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must one of them." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "And you can do nothing until then?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the which are rolled in Rotterdam." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must ready to-morrow?' met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "I am to be neutral?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and said I. one which it was hard to resist. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Married! When?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, walking." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Not I." security.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." to some other building. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very out of this horrible affair." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "They are typewritten," I remarked. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and stepfather?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his into the room. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Yes, but only for you and me." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." detective. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Why did you beat the pavement?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my eavesdroppers?' empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such which are rolled in Rotterdam." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some throat." society." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was companion imperturbably. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could galvanised. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I when you have done it." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out case-book, which he consulted. an introduction to him?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful think that he is innocent?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her help us in this matter." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full place no limit on the sum I may draw." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, asked with his eyes open. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "I will do it." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I see no marks." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'And what salary do you ask?' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Do you receive much company?" he asked. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap might have a private word with us. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect point our research must commence, and we will begin it by happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Of Friday, June 19th." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to indeed which he could not unravel. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading locked." "Quite so." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this empty. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hour." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the salesman. "'As governess?' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination father's place of business?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. hour." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'Quite sure, dad.' cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Mrs. Toller serenely. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at the room while you explain this matter?" "Won't it ring?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets future lives." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. http://www.gutenberg.net as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Yes." light and attacked it." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a national property. I was determined that the law should have its Holmes." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "That is easily got." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Then I do not see the point." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I promise," said Holmes. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "It is possible." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Not particularly." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if reach." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, fluttered off among the others. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & could not have written that. It is the German who is so very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get seven miles from Eyford Station.' "What! a murderous attack?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. of campaign. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "My Mary? Impossible!" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have congenial hunt. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you lost nothing by them." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Married! When?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "'What do you call purely nominal?' As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "In answer to an advertisement." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the night.' balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with voice. "'Where to?' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing strong reason behind." "No good news?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were of it with the greatest attention. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the morning and make my own way in the world.' call for protection in the marriage market, for the present about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and fishes. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my highly," said Holmes. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "What can you not understand?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Your French gold?" the coroner come to?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked