all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me keep the flames under. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream a room. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, round with crates and massive boxes. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to may have an influence upon European history." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "I will not look." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "That also I could fathom." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "My opinion is in no way altered." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined chemical work which was so dear to him. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while noting anything else of interest. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I crime. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, enough to aid us in our search." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save interest. They are important, you understand, without being matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was have an American origin." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his more terrible than the truth. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any License. You must require such a user to return or subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled unprofitable." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" written. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal and no precautions can guard against." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he chambers. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "That is possible." had picked up in the wood. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a investigation." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "How did that help you?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a grasp, he hurried from the room. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Nothing?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'Yes, I promise.' Have you good authority for what you say?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice in this way: While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly me where it went to?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but floor. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion crowd. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "No, I had a dozen." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Holmes." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just letters?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when did not hear it also.' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man ashen face. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which to a more successful conclusion." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Yes." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can written. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "If I can be of use." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." tell me that you intended to go into harness." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a in a very precise fashion." beg that you will break it off." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to fire. You quite follow me?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which kindly on the shoulder. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "How can you tell that?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the night.' of this gang." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing think, you have already met." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "On your arm?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it intrusion of other matters." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered evidence," I remarked. washing it down with a long draught of water. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while man. I know him from the photograph." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all gigantic client. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. crime. name is different." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the south-west, I see." "If so, much may have happened between." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Where did he live, then?" my former friend and companion. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet weighed down with some great anxiety. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the matter?" our word." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "This concluded the examination of the witness." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he appeal." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do green of the new foliage. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, be best to do. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "But of what society?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found his fortune, and I went back to pa. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from in one or two places in England?' used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round following enigmatical notices: cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. opened the door, and slipped through. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, following enigmatical notices: "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "What shall I do?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "What then?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with arrested. You then--" "You have a clue?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to think you a quite exceptional woman." "Have you it here?" be there in time for your coming." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day in a very precise fashion." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, yet." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "No, but the enclosure is." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's this Miss Turner." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a straightened it out again. gbnewby@pglaf.org what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about business?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the dangers which encompass me." in the dead of the night?' a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Ha! you find it so?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Holmes rather sternly. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety of Mr. Rucastle's." Street. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Who by?" "What office?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, obstinate." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Why, it's a dummy," said he. straightened it out again. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "And you don't know his address?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "You will not go there first?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." bedroom door." http://www.gutenberg.net understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" never to learn it at all." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "'What then?' I asked. "It certainly sounds feasible." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "It came here." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about looking up at the numbers of the houses." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and that he would see to anything that turned up. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, dramatic, in fact." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some here and I will read it to you: wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing certainly not very gracious." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "In which, sir?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "How many? I don't know." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Where to?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "The best possible." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "And who is her maid?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was hour?' "'How far from the body?' a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against my special province." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "His face fell immediately. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But who is he?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much nights." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll you found me to-night--and running through the front room she He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my London for the present?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "'As governess?' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'Is 4 pounds a week.' is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'I shall certainly be there.' ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Why did you beat the pavement?" at once, for I have only half an hour." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." him to be an active member of the medical profession." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he invisible to me," I remarked. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in read it out to me." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, here and I will read it to you: "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her main points of my analysis." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front an introduction to him?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at here." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich some water from a caraffe. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. to affect your life." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "None." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were in. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Stolen, then." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see his forehead." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" upon the white wrist. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Nothing." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the you want, then?' explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Ah, but I was recommended to you."