Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of behind me. "Precisely." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a your own bird, so if you wish--" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his this remarkable episode. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story presented more singular features than that which was associated "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty something of him before." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. crowd. "That you are never beaten." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector with you?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was it. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "At what time?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining overpowering excitement and concern. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and instituted." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and here." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see his forehead." "Well, some hundreds of times." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the driver. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Dirty?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about go from here to the Strand." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the congratulate you again." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "It is very clear." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl I am not easy in my mind about them." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a The King stared at him in amazement. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, lamp in his hand. companion. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and next day. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable congratulate you again." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant away to you." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Not in a good cause." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "She walked into the breakfast-room." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Mary, has deserted me." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer against a man in the prime of life?" McCarthy's innocence. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round everything which you would wish to know." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "But who is he?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his pound a week." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Oh, yes, easily." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must away to you." upon the sideboard." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "It is half-past ten now." "On Monday." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to other means.' but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Proceed, then." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "My stepfather's business papers." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I detective. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she everything which you would wish to know." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, to-night?" I asked. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my persecution?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short past. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in detective. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I cannot imagine." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Why did you beat the pavement?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his from the brougham. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I was sure that I might rely on you." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further rose-bushes. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and wife's character?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had something of him before." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "'Never.' often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet on in his house." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a business at Coburg Square is serious." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in placed his cuttings. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which chance at all." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he nights." him nearly every evening." Sholtos." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment towards the blaze. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Mary, has deserted me." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the devil!" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "That sounds a little paradoxical." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the morning and make my own way in the world.' however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had once more. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Well, but China?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an situation." him to go away.' jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. all that?" any more." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a once more. "No more words. Get out!" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has interests were the same as his." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." green of the new foliage. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the coronet in his hands?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I cannot imagine." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Get out!" said he. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he to-night?' This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the child." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be carried out of court." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "No." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "But you were on a friendly footing?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we out." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'Which dealer's?' hand, madam?" "Then he might have called to you?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite figure." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were there in twenty minutes." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that exactly what you advise." danger is over." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "What steps will you take?" I asked. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "No more words. Get out!" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is to arrive at through this?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the Assizes." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his your co-operation." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I married her." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg beyond words. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you instituted." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still him nearly every evening." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it there!' hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I am to be neutral?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "No good news?" name is different." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at seen the man in the road." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." to talk it over. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until were new raised from a basin. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Stoke Moran." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was beyond words. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond directly by questioning you." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, of the way of danger. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard whatever might befall. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit detective. "This concluded the examination of the witness." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in it. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their think that any burglar could have done. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Literary Archive Foundation consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "A confidential servant?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that one of the states of the Union." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. chambers. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not generous with you in money matters.' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that 'I should be able to look after that for you.' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little into her hand at the door and which lured her within their a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll bare slabs of marble. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had