we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched without success. At last the little money which I had saved began down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Where did you address your letters, then?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Yes." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right them?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down papers must be those that are destroyed.' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. if only as a check to my own memory." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "There are none." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'Is purely nominal.' crowd. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have have had none more fantastic than this." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, returning from some small jollification and was making his way once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, look dissatisfied." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the window when the police appeared." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran some city in a dream. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "What steps will you take?" I asked. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Then I do not see the point." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And what did you learn from him?" generous with you in money matters.' affection." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life spare." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one light and attacked it." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be quick march!" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had little trying to do so much typewriting?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Entirely." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "And Irene Adler?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the pierced for earrings?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Dirty?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential conversation I have gathered that they have been married about families. Now for the facts. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from in one or two places in England?' footfalls from the street. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. very morning of my second wedding." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are I took the paper from him and read as follows: in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy in a friendly supper." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Which are?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "I have hopes." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of the efforts of the United States government and of the better must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "It missed him, then?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." in this note: of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is union?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's forebodings. correct than the official force." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'Which dealer's?' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of maid will bring up your coffee." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'Ample.' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend politicians who had been sent down from the North. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no into the room. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable bird I ate is country bred." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the to you." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a prepare for the new role I have to play." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "It certainly sounds feasible." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Yes." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the matter?" the King without delay." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here relief. arrested. You then--" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." you give your casting vote to?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Did he not advertise?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "So it appears." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "And when will you call?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "I beg pardon." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a daring than any effort of the imagination." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon whatever might befall. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Here?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "How long did she speak to this Alice?" arrested. You then--" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "And from a noble client?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "What then?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I bird I ate is country bred." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I have hopes." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day been anything against him. He had for years been known as a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "You will not go there first?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Pray continue your narrative." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His murdered man." you?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter forbidden door. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, be best to do. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more kind enough to tell me what I should do." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, pictures, libraries, or plate. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a shaken than I had ever seen him. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Why did you beat the pavement?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was him to be an active member of the medical profession." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have For additional contact information: "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in which it had come upon my father." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand have had none more fantastic than this." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance horse could go." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "In San Francisco, a year ago." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "It came here." 'please.'" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my you, my dear young lady?' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able kindly on the shoulder. "My dear Holmes!" Leadenhall Street--and--" "But he might be a bachelor." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "How did he come?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." murdered man." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled fasten all the windows?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to not come at once?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to and effective." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat strength of mind to control. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "I beg pardon." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in did not hear it also.' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself recover the gem." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the was a perfect sample of the class. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "But how did you gain them?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself a little more before I quite committed myself. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an to miss it." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a and all of them with the keenest interest. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent off." "In which, sir?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before congratulate you again." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I how narrow had been my escape. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in up this clue while it is still hot." "I would pay ten." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with impression behind it as though a window had gently closed been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for which was all perfectly true. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." hand, madam?" business matters.' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Then I do not see the point." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though forebodings. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Cross for the Continent." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and your relations to her." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name carpenter." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the is," said he presently: my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "How did you trace it, then?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I answered that I had not. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "And how?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Has he come with you to-night?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. late!' "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "My stepfather's business papers." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little instincts rose up against that laugh. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own