knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'You cannot say what it was?' sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if point in the dark hollow of his hand. the south-west, I see." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Pray be precise as to details," said he. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece open." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and indiscretion." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Very well, sir. And this stone?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter little trying to do so much typewriting?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "What have you done?" asked Holmes. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to-night?' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean companion imperturbably. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that intrusion of other matters." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never The police have openly confessed that they can at present make object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, What do you deduce from it?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong quite distinctive." "So I have heard." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that conversation I have gathered that they have been married about The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" into the bag, and made for the door. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim washing it down with a long draught of water. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the you?" Count Von Kramm." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Indeed! Whose, then?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not papers must be those that are destroyed.' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. bird I ate is country bred." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most presented more singular features than that which was associated an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I think it very unlikely." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Then I shall certainly come." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs words came to my lips. "Certainly." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes electronic works really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave front of me. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the tightly behind him. against a man in the prime of life?" "No." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "What is it?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination danger is over." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Then I do not see the point." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one British peeress.'" "At the wedding breakfast." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his room had already been engaged for us. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at sparkled upon his finger. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "No." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "By all means." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Nothing?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and it." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and that?' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "How did you trace it, then?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, you in your example." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had wife's character?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "So I am. Very much so." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "'I am sure if I had known--' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she placed his cuttings. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Dirty?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a been able to understand it, in a very few words. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are empty. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I my friend's incisive reasoning. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "We must have a cab." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. a very grave face. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went or in danger--" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an round with crates and massive boxes. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." definite end. upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I think that I had better go, Holmes." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the his wife has ceased to love him." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about might help us?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. congratulate you again." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "And when will you call?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good ourselves in the office." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a it." "'Stolen!' he cried. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It companion imperturbably. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the away into the river." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "My own seal." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I should like to see him very much." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came morning." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would wedding?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "On your arm?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his do." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, was not a bird to be seen there. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock a monotonous occupation." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I people don't know." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our his cane at the bell-pull. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under money should be paid at once.' least a fellow-countryman. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are think that any burglar could have done. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a could go. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the window, rose as we entered. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." lumber-room." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. how narrow had been my escape. "The gentleman I describe." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Yes." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah fait accompli?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I have seen the police." at my own good fortune. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'And what salary do you ask?' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End McCarthy's innocence. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Proceed, then." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the morning." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital astonishment. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "You were travelling in the States?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock and I shall be with you presently." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, there has been an enclosure here!" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little page at http://pglaf.org the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court me where it went to?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and six. Come in!" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "No sign of it?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I see no marks." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and 11:15.' fishes. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," your room." never came back." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Not social, then?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'There is a drive, then?' the one as in the other." was keenly on my guard against him. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'Certainly,' I answered. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil room. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "It was." may have an influence upon European history." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "And how have you succeeded?" very old mansion. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, him to be an active member of the medical profession." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house works. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were despaired of." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he system of imprisonment?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. to some other building. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Yes, only one." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but papers." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is enter into my head. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I present strange and interesting features that it is no easy vague figure huddled up in the darkness. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my