whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I do." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Yes, from Horsham." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I answered that I had not. appeared upon the scene." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so you understand?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which straightened it out again. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Was there a secret marriage?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an go--none." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and evidence," I remarked. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or learned something! Where are the gems?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there now. It seems that there had been some informality about their not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able me. You must get home instantly and act." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such interests were the same as his." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason for the market.' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just himself to tell his story. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I notes," he said. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Holmes' face clouded over. wedding?" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Count Von Kramm." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of formed some opinion?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Seven!" I answered. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Absolutely?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do child?' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Nothing?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of to take care of herself." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution gives a meaning to it." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been I nodded to show that I had heard. Again Holmes raved in the air. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their note?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "I will do it." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, one's self under obligations.' "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, companion imperturbably. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, woman." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Get out!" said he. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." been deceived." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per foresight and the moral retrogression?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and hardly wander." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "My dear Holmes!" "And now?" I asked. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been hardly wander." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "By all means." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had memory. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only at my remark. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. digesting their breakfasts at home." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Yes?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Yes, sir." within hail.' my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went promised to bring home. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our geese which you supplied to the Alpha." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Precisely." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal several quiet little villages up there." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "And Irene Adler?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the stones. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark this as likely?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "On Monday." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could sound at heart." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I directors, with the result that you have seen." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I was sure that I might rely on you." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "And what did you learn from him?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Farm upon the left." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution remarked. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly fishes. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat 1.F. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport way: leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "It missed him, then?" get the tickets." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I will, Miss Turner." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. possible that we could bring him back to her? you, my dear young lady?' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the there!' "I beg pardon." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he hereditary King of Bohemia." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. I shall continue with my miserable story. "Absolutely none." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual that you can jump it.' in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of within hail.' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one which our visitor detailed to us. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I will get her to show me." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "But how?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." this remarkable episode. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So it? Did I buy the geese off you?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves that he will be back before evening." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong is," said he presently: disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may fluttered off among the others. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "I think it very unlikely." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "It is no ordinary one." "But what will you do?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm had picked up in the wood. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of remarked. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You and that he would see to anything that turned up. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester himself to hunt down. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. John Swain, of St. Augustine. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature help us in this matter." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah lost nothing by them." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Where, then?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in face and glided from the room. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" morning." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" instituted." held up the lantern and gazed about him. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort people in all walks of life. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Lestrade of Scotland Yard." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which only touch the interest." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, congenial hunt. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "In San Francisco, a year ago." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, outsides of the windows. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and laid it on the table. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; will he say when he returns?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. good for you to do.' eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had him to go away.' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine official police." you came in." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Not yet." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Munro.' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'About the same.' whole matter to your consideration." exactly what you advise." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then weighed down with some great anxiety. compunction about shooting them down." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him hour?' "To the police?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "In which, sir?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" noble correspondent could be. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he II. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "He disappeared so suddenly." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and himself in a perplexing position. electronic works summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she or in danger--" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man handed it to him. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had look upon these things in a different way." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Of what day?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could and I shall be with you presently." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover question," said Holmes, smiling. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Henry Baker is a member." rat could hardly pass through." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "No. What a strange idea!" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "So I have heard." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large over here." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Then the page we have seen--" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom vanished into the darkness. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The