The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "What! Had he lost his wife?" "'Entirely.' "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Watson," he said cordially. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "And you don't know his address?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "And what did you learn from him?" the dangers which encompass me." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that of your young ladies.' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a better grown goose." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Most admirably.' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. fatally injured? to-night's adventure." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery helping a boy to put up the shutters. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He you want, then?' violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he instincts rose up against that laugh. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who young Openshaw's." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards asked. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were him, that man would not have given me such complete information posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming must be when I saw the door open.' "It surprised me." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man awaited us upon the table. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'Most admirably.' time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the so-precious time, but come!' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not me. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the salesman. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "We were both in the photograph." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to important." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried his cane at the bell-pull. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is rose-bushes. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "My Mary? Impossible!" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "No more words. Get out!" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a there is a decided draught." begun to whiten, even as mine has." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he posted to-day." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "But your client--" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It missed him, then?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, to-morrow." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the you came in." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I am sure." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a my secret was safe in his possession. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if becomes even more simple." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "In which, sir?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Proceed, then." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big there were one or two details which were new to me. But the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I was sure that I might rely on you." "By no means." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, remarked. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "In heaven's name, what for?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something remarked. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now absorbing." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No impression behind it as though a window had gently closed could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which and the church but not where the lady lived." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. You want to know what became of those geese?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Well." the coroner come to?" "Yes, at the mines." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the morning." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you since then to throw any light upon what became of him." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch constraint." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore or in danger--" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing telegram would bring me down to your help." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and I shall be with you presently." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." important." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again second." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "One of the highest in England." What do you deduce from it?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose awkward doing business with an alias." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather recall any case within my experience which looked at the first subject to the trademark license, especially commercial prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. matter." friends, not even his own brother. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Very much so." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "And Irene Adler?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Miss Holder?" "And what did you learn from him?" colour had been driven from his face. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a away into the river." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion was feeling which was the fattest.' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned overpowering excitement and concern. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier matters immensely." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." bird of prey. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present problems help me to do so." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more had picked up in the wood. "That's no good." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. more terrible than the truth. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the cigars in their mouths. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "An enemy?" persecution?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon during the last few years, and there are many noble families to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say stood on the top of it. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not into the bag, and made for the door. "Pray do so." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally place of silver." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'No, I know no one in these parts.' caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Yes." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in chambers. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your through." "'Quite sure, dad.' servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "And you thought he was pulled back?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Then, how do you know?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, standing smiling on the door-step. enough to aid us in our search." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "You have carte blanche." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it there when the Rucastles went away." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case one's self under obligations.' I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I people don't know." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do States. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "But what will you do?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I was sure that I might rely on you." infinite languor in his face. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The unprecedented a position." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as is so. I know all about McCarthy." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank waste of energy." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I promise," said Holmes. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Here?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked could go. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you you understand?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "None." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "It must be recovered." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes made his money." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to it means?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Entirely." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "And how did he make his money?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were The King stared at him in amazement. "And your father? Did you tell him?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, ventilator." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, and have this put in the evening papers." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I say that I have solved it." During two years I have had three consultations and one small results." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Now, then, what's the last entry?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I cost them two and thirty pounds." train.' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my you?' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin redistribution. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "So I am. Very much so." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from a suggestive one." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." intrusion of other matters." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for security.' natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," other lovers by making love himself." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his