into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly useful material for showing traces. The double line a little in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with DAMAGE. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most foot. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your you give your casting vote to?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left strong and stiff." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Why serious?" your room." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "What are they?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the matter?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We bonnet, and went out." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little affection." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Yes, it was twisted." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, least a fellow-countryman. business." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," infinite languor in his face. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would o'clock is it?" "'Never,' said I. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help feature." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "I see no marks." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure troubles have been weighing upon his mind. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I beg pardon." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it was a lad." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "So I am. Very much so." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "He is still with you, I presume?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in that I am arrested." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the tragedy. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Bought." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "'As governess?' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This society." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "I know where it is." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for a monotonous occupation." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing that in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the me what he had done with the three missing stones. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into bears upon the case?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Why, what do you mean?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the very letters. But what is this written above them?' at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'As governess?' on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most this unhappy family?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I cannot think." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old pierced for earrings?" on re-entering her father's house?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "One?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Where, then?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the stones. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, matter." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could sentimental considerations in the background which would induce unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight directors have had misgivings upon the subject." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "I am armed." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and respectable self." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "That is easily got." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his words came to my lips. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "When did she vanish, then?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "I should wish to." you in your example." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon murdered man." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a you, my dear young lady?' short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was he died? "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "In the cells." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be as noiselessly as she had come. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "On Monday." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and interested in these little problems, and since you are good transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll was already answered. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Tired-looking or fresh?" him." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots redistribution. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have see a sister of mine apply for." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Oh, fresh and glossy." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you his fortune, and I went back to pa. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "She walked into the breakfast-room." the window, rose as we entered. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, get her out of the way." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." them present such singular features as the strange train of Henry Baker is a member." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "But you have hopes?" do.' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was into the room. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "I don't believe it." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of affection." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police little trying to do so much typewriting?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." hour." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "'Certainly,' I answered. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "But not more so than I to find you." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" obstinate." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are thirty. carried out of court." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl which I could not give. He asked for Alice. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "If I can be of use." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker completely overtopped every other consideration that we both fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "But the mystery?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Perfectly so." "Well, it is a possible supposition." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern test if we have an answer to our advertisement." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I village inn over there?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the tightly behind him. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away some mystery and the punishment of some crime." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "But I am all in the dark." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Eyford at 11:15.' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the remarked. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'Yes, sir.' "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "The best possible." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps appeared upon the scene." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his should be so warm over such a trifle." and I shall be with you presently." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept and no precautions can guard against." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: that "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "It is no ordinary one." to take care of herself." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm tied." redistribution. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is strong reason behind." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "One of his hands." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Not in the least." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Pray do so." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently other, as fresh and trim as possible. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "That is possible." sooner or later she must fall a victim. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "It is true that I have been generally successful." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Frequently." direction." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "But the mystery?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done