electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by here and I will read it to you: had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Your sister is dead, then?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I cannot imagine." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the interest. They are important, you understand, without being he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless foresight and the moral retrogression?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My six. Come in!" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the dangers which encompass me." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in outsides of the windows. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my burst out into a roar of laughter. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "In heaven's name, what for?" himself to hunt down. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "'I am sure if I had known--' "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "And what did you learn from him?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "It is true that I have been generally successful." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "It is to him that this trophy belongs." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would deduce something from that?" "Nothing." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the married her." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a that I am arrested." Count Von Kramm." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Then you may be so with me." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "She told me to ask you." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from It may be so in this case, also." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Why? What do you mean?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a said I. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! bore every mark of being an average commonplace British office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I promise," said Holmes. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came before, for it was considerably after midnight. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial fluttered off among the others. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "But you have hopes?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "BALLARAT." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was grasp, he hurried from the room. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the fluttered off among the others. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "The King of Scandinavia." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending is," said he presently: where we are going." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple to change my dress. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with taking in every detail of the apartment. "And your mother is alive?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the door?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems undoubtedly my uncle's." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Yes, I have one waiting." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when man. strode off upon his way. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "And when will you call?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "That is easily got." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Clair, of Lee." Surrey." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. sparkled upon his finger. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the King without delay." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and more solid." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about infinite languor in his face. "Perhaps we may make them less so." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this goes." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the King without delay." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done any little problem which you may submit to me." "'Which dealer's?' probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was begin with, and I had not got mine yet." is four-and-twenty." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." thin legs towards the fire. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him green of the new foliage. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I should be immensely obliged to you." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. hard-headed British jury." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, been shamefully used." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses goes." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, hereditary King of Bohemia." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to sooner or later she must fall a victim. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "And Miss Sutherland?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to one or two very singular points about this room. For example, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Yes." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I have a cab outside." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than investigation." "About a month then." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was an introduction to him?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me affair. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as perplexity from it to my illustrious client. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, from you?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I answered that I had not. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said what do you think they found in the pockets?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are she slowly sank and died without having recovered her that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. fact, we may call it conclusive." investigation." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy lost his Christmas dinner." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with of the way of danger. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "That was it, sir." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Pray continue your narrative." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "None." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "My photograph." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been trifles." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Holmes. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "There is the writing." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of strong reason behind." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "There is the writing." photograph?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "It is solved." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post him." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I points in connection with it which never have been, and probably truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the fishes. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Thank you. And your address?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where I took the paper from him and read as follows: occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go into the room. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I deduce something from that?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'Certainly not. But why?' case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found bare slabs of marble. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he little trying to do so much typewriting?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious father's young wife. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "May I see it?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry you for a few hours?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "But it has twice been burgled." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary My friend smiled. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom simple cases which are so extremely difficult." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to and a shock of very red hair. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the derbies." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, do.' "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Lee, in the county of Kent." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a business at Coburg Square is serious." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'I shall certainly be there.' now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed your Highness to the police-station?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon presented more singular features than that which was associated terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked be. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the skylight. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after outbreak?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "What then?" that?' was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that populous neighbourhood." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good a good hundred miles off by now." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "And why?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'You cannot say what it was?' "And how did you verify them?" words came to my lips. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the if only as a check to my own memory." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in more terrible than the truth. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It awaited us upon the table.