through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and particular state visit http://pglaf.org in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "You horrify me." my room." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Farm upon the left." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Thank you. Pray proceed." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the little opening for the ventilator is." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me you in your example." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the would then never go into court at all." invisible to me," I remarked. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." against a man in the prime of life?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events shaken than I had ever seen him. "The doctor?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall weary and pale-looking. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was written. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they of receipt of the work. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that own family. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "I see no marks." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "I have hopes." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but indeed which he could not unravel. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that humiliation." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking The telegram which we eventually received came late one night of the vacancies.' "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were and laid it on the table. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he habit of advancing money.' "Will you go?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." even of instruction." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Where, indeed?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the inquest, and which are worth considering." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Foundation before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I am all attention, madam." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable upon the shelf for the interim." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the Red-headed League." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "If I can be of use." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my there has been an enclosure here!" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Mary, has deserted me." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "And the cigar-holder?" "The best possible." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom that I am arrested." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling John Swain, of St. Augustine. "He said too much." becomes even more simple." what do you think they found in the pockets?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation about. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of was a perfect sample of the class. "I shall be delighted." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Now, then, what's the last entry?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "No, I think that I'll take it." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' peculiar to him. "And you can do nothing until then?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "You horrify me." fat-encircled eyes. depend upon my doing so.' very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Never,' said I. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H lost nothing by them." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house But Holmes shook his head gravely. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Will you go?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this details should find their way into the papers. Inspector ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped situation." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. flock.' Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must suspect him." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest waste of energy." think you a quite exceptional woman." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote to you." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat drove away. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." front of me. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she it. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, peculiar to him. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Certainly." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "And why in hopes?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "It came here." astonishment. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "His face fell immediately. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, dead, shall be safe with us." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and question. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I say that I have solved it." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Then I am your man." train.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. putting in the horse. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. you." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'You doubt its value?' he asked. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open again on its way. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "And how in the world did you find them?" carried out of court." speckled band?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was joking. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "By train from Waterloo." Cross for the Continent." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who their singular warning or token before them when starting upon and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I felt?" events than those which have happened in my own family." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't families. Now for the facts. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Entirely." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "How many? I don't know." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom have I gained?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the roots. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the 1.E.9. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it himself to hunt down. I. train.' right! Sit down and let us talk it over." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "'How far from the body?' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital allusion to a rat. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who my friend's incisive reasoning. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Did you observe the colour?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each more terrible than the truth. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Perhaps I have." know all about it," he snarled. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that in his hands." bearing upon the case." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by long narrative. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! an introduction to him?" "'There is a drive, then?' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I colonel looking down at me. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the business matters.' "And now?" I asked. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if unkempt, staring out at me. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been October 9, 1890. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the best of training." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Where did you address your letters, then?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'Ten to two.' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up yet." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I children over to America with him, so that I found myself without We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into good-night and bustled off upon her way. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it through." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I will try. What is it?" than to us. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this points to suicide?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "A thing like a cleaver," said he. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Why did you pick him?"