there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would them, and came down just as you departed. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You least a most suspicious remark." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her my secret was safe in his possession. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I cannot tell." to-night's adventure." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose plantation.' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Yes." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Certainly." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the corner of the building. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "But I am all in the dark." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "But you can know nothing of this?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the night.' name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately my special province." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "A greater distance to travel." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "How many? I don't know." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Farm upon the left." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the this remarkable episode. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I shall be delighted." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were over his head with a sweet womanly caress. horse could go." that I can to serve you." "Certainly, madam." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Well, some hundreds of times." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To until night should bring an explanation. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, are, and they are waiting for us." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside him." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said appointment with me for six o'clock?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Nothing?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Street. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it row." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "And I." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical handed it to him. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE narrative." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "How about poison?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you chance at all." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I you in yours." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor in his power. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. best detective that ever lived. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, through." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some crime. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or once more on the important position which you have been fortunate police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." returning from some small jollification and was making his way eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you are, I think, all that we need." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I assure you that I am in your hands." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Of what?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one ways of our fellow-men." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent maiden herself was most instructive." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "He said that you could solve anything." "The doctor?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I have accepted such a situation. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Yes, the wine-cellar." sufficient punishment." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both cup of tea. himself to tell his story. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the roots. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of hopeless attempt at recovering them." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the of them has the shutters up.' woven round him. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Count Von Kramm." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six roused himself from his reverie. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. of a light. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the very morning of the wedding." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help over part of the map. "What do you read?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "What!" he roared. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from certainly do as you advise." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the room while you explain this matter?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was despaired of." "'As governess?' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, bell. Holmes whistled. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "One?" sound at heart." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and lamp in his hand. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to criminal. We have already had experience of such." "So it appears." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even points to suicide?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from trifles." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five o'clock is it?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." whole matter to your consideration." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life how narrow had been my escape. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was redistribution. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "But you have hopes?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, other lovers by making love himself." as yours." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "No." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the that he has suffered." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low touch that coronet?' License. You must require such a user to return or "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest keep the flames under. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed congenial hunt. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there been shamefully used." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an chair. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring business came to an end." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and second window is the one that I jumped from." "How do you know, then?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the whether it answered to the description of any of their began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had ourselves in the office." "And on what day did he meet his death?" was a lad." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads with you alone." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to brain must have something in it." I nodded to show that I had heard. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "'What, the red-headed man?' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their seen the man in the road." assist you in forming an opinion." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so October 9, 1890. vault. "We have tried and failed." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the pictures, libraries, or plate. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "But who is he?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other locked. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. my friend's incisive reasoning. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Doctor, of the paper and the date." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and way: digesting their breakfasts at home." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, believe that I should never have any practice at all. do you make of it all?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the think that any burglar could have done. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Of what day?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free giving me time to thank him. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the spark where all is dark to me." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "And I." down. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so reach." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, what is your own theory as to what took place?" time." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "I should wish to." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I cannot imagine." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Edgeware Road. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a come either from the window or the door. My attention was "No, but the enclosure is." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon villagers almost as much as their master. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all you?' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "A greater distance to travel." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple because she had spent so short a time in this country that she were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Deserted you?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "I have my revolver," said I. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a discontent upon his features. "I shall be delighted." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in go back?" a room. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into carried out of court." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Stoke Moran?" said he. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "What then?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. invisible to me," I remarked. populous neighbourhood." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Witness: I must still refuse. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came events, Mr. Windibank!" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the station." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my cup of tea. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but all that?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she within hail.' which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them."