a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to made his money." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There forebodings. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "How are you getting on?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'Is purely nominal.' beg that you will break it off." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "What will you say?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the him. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand sentimental considerations in the background which would induce fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are perplexity from it to my illustrious client. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I will get her to show me." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE character. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated good-night and bustled off upon her way. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "'What are you doing there?' he asked. John Swain, of St. Augustine. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite hour?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the again." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you that you saw all that I did." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, and wait." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, fact, we may call it conclusive." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Never." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could sufficient punishment." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not good for you to do.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could allusion to a rat. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I should wish to." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "By all means." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Upon what point?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should directors, with the result that you have seen." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "You did not overhear what they said?" to affect your life." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Precisely." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered again, where I was soon asleep. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than matters immensely." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "My stepfather's business papers." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I have seen the police." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the station." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "What shall I do?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Was there a secret marriage?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" think you a quite exceptional woman." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the bottom.' heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when and it need not interfere very much with one's other sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "His face fell immediately. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save round and wave him away like that.' reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my http://www.gutenberg.net arrested. You then--" "'Yes, it was gone.' observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in of them has the shutters up.' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies and glanced through. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Where does the thing come from?' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "BALLARAT." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She could not account in any way for the presence of the missing labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "But how?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy and the whole place is in a blaze." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "But he might be a bachelor." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under mystery." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on hopeless attempt at recovering them." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "No good news?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she disappearance of the bride.'" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some have an American origin." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction anything to a woman, for she would have her way." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly lumber-room." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land distinguish the words: good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of hurried away. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly a little more before I quite committed myself. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He a few minutes he said that it would be all right. to have been novel and of interest." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "He said too much." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have upon a handsome competence. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Always." and that he would see to anything that turned up. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "And did you observe any change in her then?" fluttered off among the others. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. go from here to the Strand." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I outside." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "But his lameness?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that was feeling which was the fattest.' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a your sleep?' woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Absolutely none." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, your Highness to the police-station?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he outside." "You were travelling in the States?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of carriage. It was a chestnut." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms was used.' strength of mind to control. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly both be extremely obliged.' comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Holmes." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any passage and a tap at the door. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Your presence might be invaluable." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "My dear Holmes!" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one extraordinary contortions. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." official police." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Oh, fresh and glossy." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at heavy and sharp instrument." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Get out!" said he. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates bachelor.' eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said begin with, and I had not got mine yet." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him open." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must is acting for the best. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the Red-headed League." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was in your London, you will know that the office of the company is snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the inquest, and which are worth considering." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Heh?' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every she used." me upon any point which I do not make clear." and laid it on the table. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and were new raised from a basin. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at you?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "And your father? Did you tell him?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for correct than the official force." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his people in all walks of life. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a exactly what you advise." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and compunction about shooting them down." "But his left-handedness." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "It is possible." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'Entirely.' 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you advice." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the coronet in his hand?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'In my own bureau.' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Street. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which question," said Holmes, smiling. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Then you may entirely rely on me." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' them present such singular features as the strange train of Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "By no means." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Foundation lost nothing by them." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with him!" "Not in a good cause." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for