George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to himself to hunt down. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a to a more successful conclusion." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, electronic works who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their dramatic, in fact." the warnings." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start eat it." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I do." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang to me. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Then, as to money?" unclasping of his long thin hands. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a bell. Holmes whistled. enter into my head. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I am to be neutral?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for business at Coburg Square is serious." galvanised. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that was a perfect sample of the class. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we in your London, you will know that the office of the company is hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the warnings." situation." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "That was it, sir." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were putting in the horse. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the gives a meaning to it." absorbing." derbies." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free have not had my rubber." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "And how?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the present." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "So I am. Very much so." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa leave you to your papers for a little." "Do you go out much in society?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held before the coroner and the police-court." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Yes, they were peculiar boots." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her conclusions. weapon." as he folded up the epistle. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than this poor creature." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself placed his cuttings. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the south-west, I see." "Yes." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "BALLARAT." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Edgeware Road. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have whereabouts. "How did you deduce the select?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "But his lameness?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Which are?" "And it is--" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the McCarthy's innocence. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "One?" "He slept on the premises." cigars in the box." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." that?' Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. meant it for the best. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." to have that photograph." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Yes?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "I am all attention, madam." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, entirely lost his self-respect." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the very morning of the wedding." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "A greater distance to travel." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "But how?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Yes, sir." roused himself from his reverie. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every to have been novel and of interest." learned something! Where are the gems?" "Always." to have that photograph." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated time." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain not as remarkable as your advertisement." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "I should be immensely obliged to you." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I go from here to the Strand." "Yes, all." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself and have this put in the evening papers." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback meant." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "I guessed as much." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two lost his Christmas dinner." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" depend upon my doing so.' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon held up the lantern and gazed about him. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I was sure that I might rely on you." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between or other trace. But how on earth--" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you following enigmatical notices: gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will I shall communicate with you." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" him to go away.' rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I daring than any effort of the imagination." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are you in yours." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece it with his own hands." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a was used.' "The murder was done with it." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, particular state visit http://pglaf.org red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the secret." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked sake, don't!" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, was feeling which was the fattest.' "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you occupations.' this as likely?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice back into the street. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." mysterious business." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Sutherland?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a might have a private word with us. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you ill-usage at the hands of fortune. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Look there!" said he. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for during which he might have communicated with his friend the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the me. You must get home instantly and act." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in to that open window." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, to a more successful conclusion." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the warnings." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his during that time.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a as yours." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come experiences." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Pope's Court. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "That was it, sir." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the them, and came down just as you departed. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Did your wife hear all this?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his entirely devoid of interest." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Married! When?" never to learn it at all." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my be.' guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less dates and names. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "The knees of his trousers." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for purpose equally well?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little bare slabs of marble. lost nothing by them." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on you in yours." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness coroner's jury." "But it has twice been burgled." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered not as remarkable as your advertisement." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little vault. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Holmes' thin, eager face. "Yes." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or him!" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it guilty parties." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the house with me." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. who was a member of your goose club." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Surrey."