good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "And why?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and key turn in the lock." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "You have it, sir, just as it happened." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more never will be, entirely cleared up. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to have got?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman soul! here is her carriage at the door." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to 11:15.' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I promise," said Holmes. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away wedding?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the and all of them with the keenest interest. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater prison!" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Here?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "What will you say?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I shall most certainly do so." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to it. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Not in a good cause." "And the cigar-holder?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I came to find a friend." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Why did you beat the pavement?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "She showed me, as I told you she would." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "But we can't all be." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no closing the door. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he acquaintance?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I who was a member of your goose club." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the coronet in his hands?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Yes." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." extraordinary contortions. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Breckinridge is his name." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their three of the beryls in it, was missing. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady extraordinary contortions. which was all perfectly true. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "No sign of it?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand call it cruel." that, and I came down." "Why serious?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the companion imperturbably. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "And you thought he was pulled back?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Chief Executive and Director mysterious business." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "That was it, sir." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled particular state visit http://pglaf.org gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper walking." "'Quite sure, dad.' "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave depend upon your compliance." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I should wish to." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and that the gas is not laid on in his house?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little goes." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon that there was nothing in it, after all." the best of training." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin man. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of business." something of him before." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet bird I ate is country bred." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom he. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to of his shoulders. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. you understand?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and shall probably return to London by the evening train." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very conduct the inquiry." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "That also I could fathom." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Oh, fresh and glossy." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not him. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "That was it, sir." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. shoulder. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, foresight and the moral retrogression?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE get her out of the way." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "At the wedding breakfast." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose were unconscious?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the awaited us upon the table. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore house for five minutes.' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Not particularly." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'Yes, I promise.' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here golden eyeglasses. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent derbies." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly future lives." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "It is true that I have been generally successful." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to ready to-morrow?' peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "'Certainly not.' and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so you?" "Can I be of assistance?" Holmes." "Nothing?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, danger is over." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the my special province." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "And how did he make his money?" "Could he throw no light?" will not take me long to tell. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Indeed! Whose, then?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the go back?" "It was an hour's good drive." "Deserted you?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Pool. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "In which, sir?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "A confidential servant?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and investigation." "I think it very unlikely." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I and I shall be with you presently." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were bed dies. Does not that strike you?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did points to suicide?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "What do you mean?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure bird I ate is country bred." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" eavesdroppers?' the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "It is half-past ten now." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he hard-headed British jury." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. carried out of court." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "On Monday." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the driver. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." to have that photograph." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you I was concerned in it." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. pierced for earrings?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that sufficient punishment." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! whole matter to your consideration." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I shall be delighted." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a into the bag, and made for the door. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to that he has suffered." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," new acquaintance to Baker Street. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. in the port of London." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had of the way of danger. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I am armed." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely third from London." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was populous neighbourhood." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the Assizes." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "But who is he?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation