"Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into becomes even more simple." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Very truly yours, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and noble correspondent could be. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small his face. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which it means?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, my former friend and companion. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Serpentine Avenue. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right second window is the one that I jumped from." "About a month then." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her with her." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had this poor creature." in one or two places in England?' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped them?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "That was it, sir." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Absolutely?" chance." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks gives a meaning to it." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so photograph?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off one of them." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped she might be summoned. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms have I gained?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "And I say east," said my patient. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the station." at a side door. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "The knees of his trousers." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Well, it is a possible supposition." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'Ten to two.' I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the at home. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him opened a pocket-book and took out a note. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "I should like to see him very much." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he absorbing." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Foundation the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a colonel looking down at me. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture call the police, let the police find what they can.' about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence most important business. It is probable that he will be away all he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "My opinion is in no way altered." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If must be when I saw the door open.' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Yes." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I never have." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." points to suicide?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the warnings." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste characteristics, but those are the more obvious." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of and put his glass in his pocket. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other existence." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' enough to aid us in our search." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." I shall continue with my miserable story. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Yes, he did." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was galvanised. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' breakfast." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since direction." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "My Mary? Impossible!" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to you." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover vague figure huddled up in the darkness. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the ashen face. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Then, how do you know?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do married her." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "The rest you will leave in our hands." "It was an hour's good drive." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'I am sure that I do not know.' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "But I have heard all that you have heard." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain your co-operation." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'Oh, no.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been question you as to those details which seem to me to be most fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Where did you address your letters, then?" approach us with offers to donate. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. This is what he says: "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be his face. ashen face. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "You will not go there first?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the and no precautions can guard against." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you gives a meaning to it." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." his forehead." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack room. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It touch that coronet?' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "I will try. What is it?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" to that open window." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Munro.' surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is it with his own hands." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him before the coroner and the police-court." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You prepare for the new role I have to play." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' redistribution. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always papers on the sundial.'" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew evidence," I remarked. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." than was visible to me." of the way of danger. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in past. a suggestive one." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions burst out into a roar of laughter. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps morning." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Well, but China?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Yes, they were peculiar boots." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Miss Holder?" "'Quite sure, dad.' you understand?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your in my life." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will galvanised. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Do you go out much in society?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his questioning and rather startled gaze. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily a suggestive one." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the inner apartment." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Munro.' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of footfalls from the street. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the Red-headed League." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he easy-going way." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Which are?" remarked. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Young McCarthy must be got off, however." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "But what will you do?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of were wasted." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "No. His orders were to stay in the house." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Is he quiet?" was a loud and authoritative tap. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to I think that I could be of assistance to you." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Then I can wait in the next room." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat morning." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector said he, "my real name is James Ryder." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of were new raised from a basin. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I cigars in the box." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "And it is--" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the meant it for the best. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Eyford." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a you in your example." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat there is a decided draught." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is disturbance in my wife." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, lectures into a series of tales." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a beyond words. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, clang of the bell. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said in the hope of finding them." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer.