staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had tapping his fingers upon the table. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such to miss it." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "A client, then?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the house with me." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two are, I think, all that we need." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next suspect him." For additional contact information: that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must upon a handsome competence. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was companion imperturbably. Does that suggest anything?" "But your client--" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What father's place of business?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the quite distinctive." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I to where he stood hid behind the curtain. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Yes, it would be as well." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when sound at heart." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "A greater distance to travel." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming footfalls from the street. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "And why?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell in him." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in forbidden door. not as remarkable as your advertisement." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "But she will refuse." "Get out!" said he. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I would give my fortune to have them back." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham made him keep the appointment." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five and I shall be with you presently." photograph a cabinet?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you which it had come upon my father." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "How are you getting on?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I have seen the police." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Not social, then?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "But to whom?" good for you to do.' something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it key of the affair now." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very were unconscious?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Well, some hundreds of times." to tackle the facts." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, outside." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for annoyance, but no jest. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only him to be an active member of the medical profession." the coronet in his hands?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this voice. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one him, that man would not have given me such complete information the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Come in!" said he. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'Where to?' once more. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "She walked into the breakfast-room." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them DAMAGE. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Yesterday." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were indiscretion." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "No." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and the whole place is in a blaze." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "What! a murderous attack?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my as yours." how narrow had been my escape. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her rooms." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He read it out to me." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is shall not find me ungrateful." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "I don't believe it." daring than any effort of the imagination." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and the colonel ushered me in. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she there when the Rucastles went away." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "'Entirely.' business." that there was nothing in it, after all." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" this Miss Turner." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce you do it in twenty minutes!' every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'Ample.' the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has telegram would bring me down to your help." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was into the room. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his miles off. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "I do." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I am armed." posted to-day." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a hurried away. wedding?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end again, where I was soon asleep. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, chambers. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "How did that help you?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again third from London." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the letters?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should returned to France?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me nonsense.' back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in flock.' to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round me." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There do." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest late!' the King without delay." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Pool. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had of Fenchurch Street." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "'Where to?' "That sounds a little paradoxical." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Serpentine Avenue. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless This is what he says: been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I derbies." I leave." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang States. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but his huge brown hands. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "It is true that I have been generally successful." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached My friend smiled. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "But you would not advise me to refuse?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I past. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself to-night?' so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Oh, the cause is excellent!" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I say it is." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not you?' building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster attention." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." spare." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a to-night?" I asked. there when the Rucastles went away." wanted for ourselves." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "No." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I guessed as much." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric young Openshaw's." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Yes. He waved his hands." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' very peculiar words of the dying woman?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'What are you doing there?' he asked. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'What do you call purely nominal?' "The doctor?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had again on its way. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week seven miles from Eyford Station.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they correct than the official force." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "What, then, did Peterson do?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "His face fell immediately. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My you in your example." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am criminal. We have already had experience of such." for and were ordered to this address. out." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked overpowering excitement and concern. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our carriage. It was a chestnut." "It is solved." own family. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very cause to be." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "'As governess?' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in them present such singular features as the strange train of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad letters?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Frequently." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting in him." brain must have something in it." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed