"Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "But you can know nothing of this?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent corner of the building. the stable lane now." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Have you good authority for what you say?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no lamp. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per have got?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself morning." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "It is possible." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, whereabouts. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, John Swain, of St. Augustine. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I cannot tell." "By no means." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry where we are going." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. followed. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. sneer upon his pale face. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there or other trace. But how on earth--" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general important." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler galvanised. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I think you a quite exceptional woman." crowd. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. orange pips. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "At what time?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you door?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I sound at heart." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between knowledge of the world." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You then?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. without a word or a look. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would I was concerned in it." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, your co-operation." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "But how will you look?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'I am sure if I had known--' me. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems you." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Pray let us have it, for all that." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'Yes, sir.' in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for at a side door. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That certainly not very gracious." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not one which it was hard to resist. "Yes." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No light and attacked it." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe in the dead of the night?' other means.' smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Was there a secret marriage?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, sufficient punishment." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of photograph?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the fear." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, outsides of the windows. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "But you would not advise me to refuse?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save forebodings. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I do." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far This is what he says: at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting me have 200 pounds?' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "But you were on a friendly footing?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." answer." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and key of the affair now." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this eat it." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by which are rolled in Rotterdam." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "No." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Then I am your man." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "What will you say?" was used.' to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, direction." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each mystery." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of digesting their breakfasts at home." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Precisely so. But how--" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. vault. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, trifles." "And who is her maid?" question. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the the inquest, and which are worth considering." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "What I expected to see." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had this remarkable episode. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and prison!" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Nothing?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Precisely." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do as the one I chose?' "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Which are?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my chill to my heart. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "An enemy?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Proceed, then." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Quite so. She has her freedom." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the and inquire as to the address." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Imitated." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the roots. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features occupations.' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Nothing." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to bill, which interests me deeply." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be woven round him. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from past. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "That is it on the dressing-table." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I am following you closely," I answered. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There up this clue while it is still hot." goes." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His chill to my heart. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Countess of Morcar's?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a the dangers which encompass me." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Yes?" points to suicide?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, at a side door. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his upon an income of about 60 pounds." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall think, you have already met." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Yes, it was gone.' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple one of the states of the Union." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "That is easily got." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, morning." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he better in every way that they should make their position a little and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "I don't say that. Perhaps." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. waste of energy." before, for it was considerably after midnight. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were would then never go into court at all." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "And I." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you as noiselessly as she had come. putting in the horse. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what to some other building. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "My photograph." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'You doubt its value?' he asked. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "10th. John Swain cleared. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not your sleep?' had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned,