my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. might help us?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the coronet at all injured?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I roused himself from his reverie. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "I was afraid that you were engaged." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. you?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over envelope. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden You can understand that this register and diary may implicate old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in quick march!" answered with a sidelong glance. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "My dear Holmes!" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe for and were ordered to this address. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, I think that I could be of assistance to you." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined she might be summoned. official police." tied." think that he is innocent?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter wife's character?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all could not account in any way for the presence of the missing out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See o'clock is it?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was would apply.' not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your south, for the country is more deserted there." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in front of me. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed prisoner's face. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, directors, with the result that you have seen." of the way of danger. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I was afraid that you were engaged." directors, with the result that you have seen." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "I will, Miss Turner." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She of Mr. Rucastle's." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Yes, at the mines." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "And how did you verify them?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and delirious. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by at once, for I have only half an hour." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the go--none." there." him to be an active member of the medical profession." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I beg pardon." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." window when the police appeared." that I can to serve you." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, conclusions. window when the police appeared." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I certainly do as you advise." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "That sounds a little paradoxical." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he matter over." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing fishes. outside." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Will you bet, then?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "He might." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "And how?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "You horrify me!" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "I do." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Yes." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a an introduction to him?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "It was." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one advice." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of feature." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "How many? I don't know." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "So it appears." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a page at http://pglaf.org collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. a suggestive one." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded article?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Not particularly." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. a little more before I quite committed myself. drove away. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "An enemy?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All which our visitor detailed to us. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have my room." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made how narrow had been my escape. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come respectable self." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in in a very precise fashion." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a closing the door. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I rooms." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am too. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is how narrow had been my escape. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. stammered. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for success. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden coat-tails." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and have an American origin." rooms." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." coat-tails." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There John Swain, of St. Augustine. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Yes." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. strong and stiff." "Yes?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to question," said Holmes, smiling. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that you?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Ah, but I was recommended to you." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'Yes, it was gone.' "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Arthur Conan Doyle "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in seven miles from Eyford Station.' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, at my own good fortune. followed. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the coronet in his hand?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed his huge brown hands. yet." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day intrusion of other matters." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to fled together." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood me." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Oh, fresh and glossy." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence unkempt, staring out at me. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out States. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I promise," said Holmes. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." would then never go into court at all." "No good news?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "That is not always so easy." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a him to be an active member of the medical profession." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I like that before?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the to take care of herself." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his crowd. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which tail." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that be. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the interest. They are important, you understand, without being ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end events, Mr. Windibank!" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Can I be of assistance?" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from in the dead of the night?' "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his him, that man would not have given me such complete information the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A you." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the bed, and you in that chair." "You forget that I know nothing about it." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Foundation successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already a suggestive one." For additional contact information: "You are all wrong." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own evidence," I remarked. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, morning." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" is a common subject for conversation. "Yesterday." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "The best possible." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them your bag." "What!" he roared. the devil!" which we had just quitted. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy did not hear it also.' caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down to surprise her." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have look upon these things in a different way." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her once more on the important position which you have been fortunate and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Here?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an for its centre. what do you think they found in the pockets?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "My dear Holmes!" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of yet." fatally injured? Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long,