"We have tried and failed." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Perhaps I have." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible success. a room. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Oh, yes, easily." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination conceal it?" you for a few hours?" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." whereabouts. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, that he will be back before evening." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Nothing?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked ashen face. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. stood on the top of it. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "You think that he is dead?" Eyford." once more. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. I. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Yes, sir." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "When did it break out?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Very much so." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' you found me to-night--and running through the front room she ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "This concluded the examination of the witness." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet back alive. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I have my revolver," said I. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, conduct the inquiry." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "No?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. visitors." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the his grey eyes. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. narrative." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "I am sure." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in carpenter." "Yes, but only for you and me." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any strength." your Highness to the police-station?" together. not fit the lock." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the Friday. Was it to be in church?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I is so. I know all about McCarthy." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I question. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "And for present expenses?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of with frightened eyes at his accuser. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "It is a murder, then?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Sutherland?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Nothing?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" point in the dark hollow of his hand. of the way of danger. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. a very grave face. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "He might." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "The gentleman I describe." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which sit on the left-hand side of the driver." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and your relations to her." said I. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his such attractions and accomplishments?' am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Why, it's a dummy," said he. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "And now?" He raised his hand. "Which are?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "It is very clear." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "I think that it is very probable." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "BALLARAT." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch off." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." time." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he think that he is innocent?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Who by?" Serpentine Avenue. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had hair?' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" this man was intellectual?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Sutherland?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "'Certainly not. But why?' first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Dr. Gregory B. Newby and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "'Certainly not. But why?' "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must until night should bring an explanation. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see within hail.' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Nearly eleven." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without was not a bird to be seen there. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "How many? I don't know." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually and prosperity to your house. Good-night." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I was mad--insane." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Nothing?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey tied." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive way in." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Entirely." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "On Monday." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "You horrify me." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his away to you." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I key of the affair now." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. believe that I should never have any practice at all. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. one's self under obligations.' hopeless attempt at recovering them." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs meant." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns was it brought him the coronet? Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I believe that I should never have any practice at all. union?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." your equipment. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black money should be paid at once.' with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. locked. "A confidential servant?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were without success. At last the little money which I had saved began called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which DISSOLVED. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "I came to find a friend." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the residence of the great financier. "But you were on a friendly footing?" might have a private word with us. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "How are you getting on?" Watson," he said cordially. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at as he folded up the epistle. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "What will you say?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "I would give my fortune to have them back." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, you?' have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug dear old homesteads?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been derbies." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax man. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy out of this horrible affair." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Then, how do you know?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Literary Archive Foundation distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off fact, we may call it conclusive." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." to have been novel and of interest." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "An accident, I presume?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it things are very often connected not with the larger but with the friends, not even his own brother. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "It is his hat." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as address. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." individual and becomes the badge of a society." will he say when he returns?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes three of the beryls in it, was missing. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the formed some opinion?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Her father is very rich?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "No, my brougham is waiting." see me here to avoid scandal." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and will take you up to see the machine.' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father ago." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "What is it?" "My Mary? Impossible!" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to to-night?" I asked. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who all?" with you?" "What, then?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You I approached. "We have tried and failed." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Pool. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it