but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "But the mystery?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I was afraid that you were engaged." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "How did you trace it, then?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, strode off upon his way. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "So it appears." of your young ladies.' me. You must get home instantly and act." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question been." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could of Fenchurch Street." writing, and yet I know it well." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I will get her to show me." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "You have but to name it." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to crime. "But you can know nothing of this?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of cheerful." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Chief Executive and Director either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter spark where all is dark to me." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Why, what do you mean?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my not, dad?" she asked. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' It may be so in this case, also." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in closely." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after emerged. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made sound at heart." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the What do you deduce from it?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience tension within him. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small prepare for the new role I have to play." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and upon the shelf for the interim." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very could gather together that I was able to avert another public street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." highroad, where all traces were lost. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Then I shall certainly come." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue stalked out of the room. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "That's no good." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'Is purely nominal.' cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the side-table." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Certainly, madam." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the be. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried have got?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and events, Mr. Windibank!" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is call the police, let the police find what they can.' in the port of London." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Nothing?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace crowd. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am in my life." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had off." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added ordinary clothes on?" "The vanishing of the lady." of this gang." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have weapon." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. became a certainty. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. kindly on the shoulder. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Never to return." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Tired-looking or fresh?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the such attractions and accomplishments?' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. cigars in the box." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to down in his armchair and closing his eyes. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and make me his representative both with the servants and with the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a photograph?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw and looked back. detective. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening rat could hardly pass through." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Yes." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than pound a week." train.' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the that I can to serve you." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "No, finished." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers call for it in person on Monday morning.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "But the mystery?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase main points of my analysis." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "What! Had he lost his wife?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, chambers. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit their singular warning or token before them when starting upon for and were ordered to this address. bedroom door." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied since then to throw any light upon what became of him." carried out of court." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a your Highness to the police-station?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "VIOLET HUNTER." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of at a side door. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "I think it very unlikely." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in infinite languor in his face. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and the church but not where the lady lived." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "It was." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. your room." I held the little printed slip to the light. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Dr. Gregory B. Newby deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes thin legs towards the fire. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked cause to be." his huge brown hands. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." said he. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must enter into my head. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such very peculiar words of the dying woman?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line seven miles from Eyford Station.' murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the room had already been engaged for us. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, standing smiling on the door-step. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "At half-wages, in fact." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "In heaven's name, what for?" carpenter." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Precisely." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in recover the gem." kind enough to tell me what I should do." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a served to weaken the effect. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I least a fellow-countryman. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing tell me that you intended to go into harness." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed have accepted such a situation. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Yes." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the house with me." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project there in twenty minutes." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker with you?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A where she found matters as described by the last witness. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Miss Holder?" any more." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" detained." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear quickly through a disagreeable task. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had round with crates and massive boxes. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on face and glided from the room. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair people don't know." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'Where to?' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Nor running a chance of arrest?" unprecedented a position." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have not as remarkable as your advertisement." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my carried out of court." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "She told me to ask you." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Pope's Court. despaired of." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my