that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. chambers. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle telegram would bring me down to your help." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a you." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every him and tried to hold him back. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Arthur Conan Doyle when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Gutenberg-tm License. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included should be taken.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Henry Baker is a member." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to and I shall be with you presently." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he his wife has ceased to love him." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any orange pips. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his your room." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced country, and eventually married, without anyone having a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and certainly do as you advise." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "It is possible." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "None." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder dead, shall be safe with us." Holmes' room. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no I shall communicate with you." "Which are?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his this as likely?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'Ten to two.' answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Very murderous indeed." laugh and put his lips to my ear. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel for and were ordered to this address. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to she might be summoned. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." read over the extraordinary announcement. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Oh, fresh and glossy." "To an end?" "ARAT," I read. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you whereabouts. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. in a very precise fashion." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Very. But will he see it?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the salesman. how narrow had been my escape. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my strength in the others." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "What steps will you take?" I asked. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her tied." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have fear." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She eavesdroppers?' have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Yes." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I say it is." is so. I know all about McCarthy." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious overpowering excitement and concern. weary and pale-looking. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, some city in a dream. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, carpenter." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" prepare for the new role I have to play." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to were new raised from a basin. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our walking." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal meant." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a imbecility!" he cried. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock straighten it?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was call the police, let the police find what they can.' his face. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "How long did she speak to this Alice?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "What can you not understand?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I brought there to personate someone, and the real person is have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "No more words. Get out!" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. true." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly fluttered off among the others. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked could not have written that. It is the German who is so We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "I have come for advice." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of following enigmatical notices: "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down your own bird, so if you wish--" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem train from Paddington which would bring you there at about admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Frequently." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to golden eyeglasses. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I charge against him will break down." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "It is solved." in his hands." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I held the little printed slip to the light. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to business?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the for securing the situation." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he never will be, entirely cleared up. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." McCarthy's innocence. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Witness: I must still refuse. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I am in hopes that she does." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper kind enough to tell me what I should do." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, both be extremely obliged.' I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Then I am your man." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but I am not easy in my mind about them." about here speaks of his kindness to him." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps from the brougham. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "What of the rat, then?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the was used.' strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "His face fell immediately. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who other lovers by making love himself." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the address that was given us in the advertisement. him to be an active member of the medical profession." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to house for five minutes.' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution a room. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Well, it is a possible supposition." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day me upon any point which I do not make clear." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last these bleak autumnal evenings." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'As governess?' that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I shall be delighted." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "'And the work?' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," triumphant cloud from his cigarette. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I think it very unlikely." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis memory. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while rose-bushes. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a copied or distributed: "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should for and were ordered to this address. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George over here." he died? black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Nothing." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had recover the gem." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the over here." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty remarked. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it pierced for earrings?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, in darkness. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the outside." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." fishes. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the stable lane now." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Game for a morning drive?" McCarthy's innocence. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the morning and make my own way in the world.' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I upon a handsome competence. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "But he might be a bachelor." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you that I can to serve you." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set laugh and put his lips to my ear. with her." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into here." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, this as likely?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "And your mother is alive?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely make me his representative both with the servants and with the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique as noiselessly as she had come. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, clang of the bell. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and existence." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "And who is her maid?" lectures into a series of tales." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have held up the lantern and gazed about him. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white copied or distributed: little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "In San Francisco, a year ago." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the bed, and you in that chair." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who remarked. the coronet in his hand?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" child?' how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Witness: It was. business came to an end." respectable self." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of three of the beryls in it, was missing. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or to talk it over. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were