inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of always that they were such commands as a lady might with door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with respectable self." "And how did you verify them?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I was afraid that you were engaged." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are showing my impatience. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'Where could I find him?' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one maiden herself was most instructive." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for touch that coronet?' has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "I shall most certainly do so." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "'Yes.' records." little adventures." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a morning." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the ourselves in the office." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was astonishment. client, rising. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Yes, certainly." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Ah!" everything which you would wish to know." were unconscious?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in lumber-room." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Did he not advertise?" "Well." second window is the one that I jumped from." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during in the dead of the night?' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which bearing upon the case." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand grasp, he hurried from the room. you, my dear young lady?' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a front of me. them present such singular features as the strange train of pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the some water from a caraffe. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, gone. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, that you saw all that I did." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary coat-tails." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "I answered that I had not. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those feature." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I fashion which was peculiar to him. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of that you saw all that I did." hair?' corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up he died? him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far south, for the country is more deserted there." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We in darkness. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "And you don't know his address?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "By all means." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in bachelor.' 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just union?" wedding?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. 1.F. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off go from here to the Strand." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "But the mystery?" the side-table." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Where, then?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And why in hopes?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." rat could hardly pass through." you do it in twenty minutes!' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "My opinion is in no way altered." "What shall I do?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "But he might be a bachelor." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My flock.' cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "From his hat?" "9th. McCauley cleared. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "I should wish to." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' events than those which have happened in my own family." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. it means?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose and I shall be with you presently." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong and I shall be with you presently." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Is he quiet?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her there." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the him." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders any." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'Never,' said I. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding suspect him." said I. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper highly," said Holmes. "Then, how do you know?" it." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "No, but the enclosure is." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this he. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer the iron safe, which he closed upon it. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three together. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all do.' "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this affection." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "And you don't know his address?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, round with crates and massive boxes. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their awkward doing business with an alias." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." tear off another piece?' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez at my remark. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which hopeless attempt at recovering them." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest goes." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps one of them." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Well?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity have been better. It is all right." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'Not at all. I only doubt--' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, arrangements." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "But how did you gain them?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Stolen." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "I cannot imagine." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I have come for advice." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "And what did you see?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We room?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have that he will be back before evening." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all very peculiar words of the dying woman?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'Which dealer's?' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you affair. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Doctor, of the paper and the date." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his vanished into the darkness. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her help us in this matter." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a States. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "I should be immensely obliged to you." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to burst out into a roar of laughter. me where it went to?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from meant." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage that threaten you." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the have an American origin." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "To an English lawyer named Norton." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the south-west, I see." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her felt?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal yourselves in at night?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Yes, all." Clair, of Lee." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through families. Now for the facts. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some only touch the interest." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon for the market.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to