myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'Quite sure, dad.' look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "What?" should be so warm over such a trifle." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "My photograph." footfalls from the street. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my him to go away.' who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Oh, fresh and glossy." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at new acquaintance to Baker Street. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Yes." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones gone. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So dead, shall be safe with us." "What can it mean?" I gasped. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "You have compromised yourself seriously." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "No." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. think that any burglar could have done. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "You horrify me." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the noble correspondent could be. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "You are all wrong." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. ordinary clothes on?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have whereabouts. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does round with crates and massive boxes. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be was feeling which was the fattest.' troubles have been weighing upon his mind. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I cannot think." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her business matters.' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the wedding?" of Fenchurch Street." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "In answer to an advertisement." "And the cigar-holder?" get the tickets." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "But what will you do?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such least a fellow-countryman. "Yes." "I beg pardon." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's bell. Holmes whistled. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Of what day?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "'Very good.' "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." of the vacancies.' himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "It was an hour's good drive." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future has little to do with my story." My friend smiled. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Heh?' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of footfalls from the street. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his how narrow had been my escape. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He 'please.'" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country as noiselessly as she had come. "Did he not advertise?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the o'clock is it?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Not in the least." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." once more to my work. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you one of them." "And from a noble client?" were new raised from a basin. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was you do it in twenty minutes!' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I think it very unlikely." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and could not have written that. It is the German who is so "It is very clear." both be extremely obliged.' Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no money should be paid at once.' Arthur Conan Doyle legal crime." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you with frightened eyes at his accuser. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "9th. McCauley cleared. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in round with crates and massive boxes. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I or other trace. But how on earth--" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "You think so, too?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such wall." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a digesting their breakfasts at home." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "An enemy?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "There are none." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to some other building. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Did your wife hear all this?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Absolutely none." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "No, thank goodness, she did not." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "From his hat?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a suddenly upon us." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in what these perils are?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist for and were ordered to this address. dramatic, in fact." "Did your wife hear all this?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I say it is." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Then you may entirely rely on me." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. dramatic, in fact." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a remarked. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "One of his hands." "Yes." works. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the tragedy. me have 200 pounds?' back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Yesterday." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner hurried away. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was questionable one." highroad, where all traces were lost. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the straighten it?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom should be taken.' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Not yet." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed if I call to-morrow?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "But you have hopes?" galvanised. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the careless servant girl?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Yes." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "It is to him that this trophy belongs." official police." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "I would pay ten." photograph?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "To an end?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped writer." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where about. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave said he. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he of it with the greatest attention. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered which it had come upon my father." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I envelope. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Then I do not see the point." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great existence." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** most interesting one." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I photograph?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "By all means." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for himself to hunt down. golden eyeglasses. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Yes." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have business." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "It is very kind of you." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So arms and began to sob in a high treble key. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There States. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "I think it very unlikely." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of had this final quarrel? it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have went to the Alpha were town bred." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you in my life." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "The knees of his trousers." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, http://gutenberg.net/license). whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless awkward doing business with an alias." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I problems help me to do so." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no too. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. records." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive horse could go." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Then, how do you know?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the been able to understand it, in a very few words. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was could not account in any way for the presence of the missing to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and have established a very serious case against the son of the "Yes, all." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "No, finished." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, than to us. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Not in the least." purpose of examination. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face that he will be back before evening." my special province." already referred to. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the loss of it. again." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but some city in a dream. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life a room. "Thank you. Pray proceed." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, mysterious end." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to leave you to your papers for a little." the bed, and you in that chair." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "And is that all?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his to tackle the facts." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker there when the Rucastles went away." reach." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! noble correspondent could be. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed murdered man." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "BALLARAT." "It surprised me." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, entirely lost his self-respect." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly him. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew instituted." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Yes." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "What is it, then--a fire?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt him to go away.' same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "A confidential servant?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I see no marks." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled all that?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself