intimate personal affairs in this public manner." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes within hail.' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Dr. Becher's." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just a room. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I am to be neutral?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a hereditary King of Bohemia." tied." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The 'please.'" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "I beg pardon." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. third from London." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the presented more singular features than that which was associated his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I will get her to show me." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned from the brougham. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the My friend smiled. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the tragedy. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Yes, sir.' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. to change my dress. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, is," said he presently: "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "But what is it you wish?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I about here speaks of his kindness to him." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "But what harm can there be in that?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Do you know him?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Was she in good spirits?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the gone before you can get him to hospital." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Sholtos." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "But what harm can there be in that?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Breckinridge is his name." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "It is very kind of you." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. father's young wife. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here hair?' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "None." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a the Red-headed League." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, it. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off father's place of business?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and seem to you to be relevant or not." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the Assizes." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Holmes' face clouded over. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the inner apartment." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and who was a member of your goose club." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." young Openshaw's." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "ARAT," I read. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through done what I asked you, Jones?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Have you it here?" the so-precious time, but come!' the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. weapon." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Then I shall certainly come." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish how narrow had been my escape. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We not personally threatened." "Yes." definite end. "Yesterday." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "I should wish to." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' few hundred pounds.' "VIOLET HUNTER." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this do you make of it all?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal entirely lost his self-respect." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "This concluded the examination of the witness." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a will not take me long to tell. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of least a most suspicious remark." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Yes, certainly." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "To ruin me." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than said Mr. Holder. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in to have been novel and of interest." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded to talk it over. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of his wife has ceased to love him." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Deserted you?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Pray continue your narrative." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "I cannot think." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "'And what salary do you ask?' to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings joking. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white electronic works trying to your nerves." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Witness: Nothing definite. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at which we had just quitted. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Lee, in the county of Kent." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "She showed me, as I told you she would." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "What can you not understand?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler compunction about shooting them down." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else information in his hands the value of which he did not himself a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "How did you trace it, then?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "'Ten to two.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "But we can't all be." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and how narrow had been my escape. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very take the flies, but not before." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Thank you. Pray proceed." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance indiscretion." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, straightened it out again. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Holmes, the busybody!" what I may call a really hard day's work." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush walking." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Did you observe the colour?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to DISSOLVED. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our rooms." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "What, then, did Peterson do?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have was a perfect sample of the class. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the a room. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send narrative." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the whole matter to your consideration." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End later, upon the night of May 2nd." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up friends, not even his own brother. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such you give your casting vote to?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Stoke Moran?" said he. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the waste of energy." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." young Openshaw's." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw chance." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no business in the City. She little knew what. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "'Quite sure, dad.' garden below. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear events, Mr. Windibank!" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "No." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Project Gutenberg-tm works. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was voice, changing her seat as requested. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Very much so." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" matter." grasp, he hurried from the room. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves sneer upon his pale face. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. that you can jump it.' "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring it." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to giving me time to thank him. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with seem to you to be relevant or not." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He depend upon your compliance." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Heh?' his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Holmes. "And help." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'Why that?' I asks. fait accompli?" desk. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some