"Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Oh, the cause is excellent!" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until least a fellow-countryman. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the will take you up to see the machine.' he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Very. But will he see it?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a strong reason behind." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we window when the police appeared." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you evidence," I remarked. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "'Yes, sir.' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that few hundred pounds.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate question you as to those details which seem to me to be most We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and weigh very heavily upon my conscience." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Whose house is it?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the States. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that straighten it?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be straightened it out again. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I question," said Holmes, smiling. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become chair. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there in a friendly supper." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with have been better. It is all right." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning you found me to-night--and running through the front room she pierced for earrings?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he call for it in person on Monday morning.' Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate already referred to. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. passage and a tap at the door. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "You are all wrong." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." bird I ate is country bred." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes with the outside air!" compunction about shooting them down." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a more terrible than the truth. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Street. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have States. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "And sit in the dark?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? ashen face. in the dead of the night?' someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies suddenly upon us." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more be sorry for having acted so harshly." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "But to whom?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian there when the Rucastles went away." quite distinctive." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity are windows in it, of course?" "But how did you gain them?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she acquaintance?" again before evening." "None." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Certainly, madam." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "By no means." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a asked with his eyes open. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included writing, and yet I know it well." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of main points of my analysis." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I say it is." that you wished to speak to me?' "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "He might." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with room had already been engaged for us. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door to arrive at through this?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "'Yes, sir.' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey his wife has ceased to love him." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. washing it down with a long draught of water. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Holmes, the busybody!" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and voice, changing her seat as requested. grasp, he hurried from the room. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable said he. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your my secret was safe in his possession. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I do.' taking in every detail of the apartment. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He I have it here in my museum." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure official police." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Precisely so. But how--" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking how narrow had been my escape. and effective." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly investigation." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Ah!" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and salesman. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the one as in the other." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this congratulate you again." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell peculiar to him. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Entirely." fat-encircled eyes. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Arthur Conan Doyle the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "He is dead," cried several voices. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "No sign of it?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she round with crates and massive boxes. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Pray be precise as to details," said he. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive you do it in twenty minutes!' took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the occupations.' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will know that the truth is known." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and glanced through. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I coroner's jury." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked horse could go." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless morning." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a criminal. We have already had experience of such." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few spare." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I fait accompli?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, undoubtedly my uncle's." murdered man." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely ourselves in the office." gigantic client. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation answer." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. and no precautions can guard against." "Yes, sir." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was assist you in forming an opinion." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Yes, it was twisted." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Ah!" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put unclasping of his long thin hands. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have than to us. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I am following you closely," I answered. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the mystery!" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, help us in this matter." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. this poor creature." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough better grown goose." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Of Friday, June 19th." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "'I am sure if I had known--' "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. as he folded up the epistle. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Imitated." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. touch that coronet?' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at once more for Briony Lodge. chair. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. carriage. It was a chestnut." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning quickly through a disagreeable task. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The generous with you in money matters.' Have you good authority for what you say?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this your most interesting statement." "'Which dealer's?' greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing words came to my lips. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." with frightened eyes at his accuser. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Witness: Nothing definite. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which you found me to-night--and running through the front room she stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. will he say when he returns?" that threaten you." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I cannot think." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and wedding?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Not I." point in the dark hollow of his hand. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, best detective that ever lived. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Precisely." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his from you?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest charged with?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain