cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "What! You do not mean bodies?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "What I expected to see." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "The King of Scandinavia." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "I cannot say that I have." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Why did you pick him?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he have I gained?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "How did you trace it, then?" taking in every detail of the apartment. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to questionable one." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project a little more before I quite committed myself. "But she will refuse." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "It certainly sounds feasible." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Then what has happened to him?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have DISSOLVED. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an best detective that ever lived. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This answer." introspective fashion. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with is four-and-twenty." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the formed some opinion?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "It is solved." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of or in danger--" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this may have an influence upon European history." himself. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn lips." felt the room to be a little close.' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "A client, then?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "And from a noble client?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey I approached. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Yes." writers could invent nothing more crude." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "The landlord of the Alpha." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Do you know him?" you understand?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, have accepted such a situation. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the with the outside air!" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a asked. go from here to the Strand." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions conduct the inquiry." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "None. Neville wrote those words." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE congratulate you again." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said I took the paper from him and read as follows: Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, despair." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So place of silver." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Not social, then?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Certainly." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Stolen, then." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. taking in every detail of the apartment. this Miss Turner." asked with his eyes open. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every second." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "And now?" He raised his hand. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the look dissatisfied." client, rising. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at breakfast and whispered something to her husband. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" father's young wife. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the carried out of court." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "You think that he is dead?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great think you a quite exceptional woman." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him a monotonous occupation." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but deduce something from that?" colonel looking down at me. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "A call for help, you thought?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter business at Coburg Square is serious." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such bachelor.' stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "'Yes, it was gone.' That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the very morning of the wedding." that there was nothing in it, after all." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Arthur Conan Doyle increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in of the vacancies.' to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem straightened it out again. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "He said that you could solve anything." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "I warn you that they are very incomplete." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That of the way of danger. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless at home. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "I guessed as much." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a at a side door. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from death." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Have you it here?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear acted in my house last night?" have one." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. during that time.' answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at occurred." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under giving me time to thank him. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too populous neighbourhood." walking." conclusions. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "What have you done?" asked Holmes. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the overpowering excitement and concern. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it becomes even more simple." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, exactly what you advise." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, once more. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "But she will refuse." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the station." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a tension within him. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the chamber." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite quite distinctive." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such thirty. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Where is it, then?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of row." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'There is a drive, then?' spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "To ruin me." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "And your father? Did you tell him?" bled considerably." events than those which have happened in my own family." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "That also I could fathom." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "I will try. What is it?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and outside." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. fire. You quite follow me?" to tell." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Perhaps we may make them less so." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and back to my heart. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you what I may call a really hard day's work." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Sholtos." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Oh, fresh and glossy." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Miss Holder?" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of wife's character?" "And now?" I asked. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he society." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done yards of it?' of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so there were one or two details which were new to me. But the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the that there was nothing in it, after all." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" awkward doing business with an alias." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the south-west, I see." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "In what way?" asked Holmes. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. in my life." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could stammered. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Did you become engaged then?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may writing, and yet I know it well." "And why?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "One of the highest in England." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "When did she vanish, then?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "There are none." III. "They are typewritten," I remarked. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a any." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, 1.E.9. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I am armed." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I am armed." prison!" a monotonous occupation." "I never have." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the villagers almost as much as their master. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Was there a secret marriage?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is