"10th. John Swain cleared. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." him nearly every evening." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'What do you call purely nominal?' away to you." important." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each IS and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are reach." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "No." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, be. them, and came down just as you departed. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Gutenberg-tm License. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "May I see it?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out God! What an exposure! What can I do?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler have got?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be get the tickets." certainly do as you advise." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a certainly not very gracious." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" meanly of me." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman your sleep?' "Texas, I think." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" eat it." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change highroad, where all traces were lost. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had his knees, staring into the fire. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Where to?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'Never,' said I. door?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the nursery. question," said Holmes, smiling. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. fled together." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had unclasping of his long thin hands. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can outsides of the windows. handed it to him. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to prove to be little relation between the different incidents of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my with you alone." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Nothing?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be foot. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "I don't say that. Perhaps." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Her father is very rich?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us seen the man in the road." unclasping of his long thin hands. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which we went to search for him, face downward in a little bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the station." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Did you observe the colour?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my recover the gem." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I do." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the bearing upon the case." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance which our visitor detailed to us. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the to arrive at through this?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Witness: Nothing definite. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson to that open window." himself to tell his story. absorbing." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside have been better. It is all right." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as than to us. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be a monotonous occupation." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. that, and I came down." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so he died? wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "None." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken washing it down with a long draught of water. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Watson," he said cordially. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do a suggestive one." appeal." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. more terrible than the truth. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "You have compromised yourself seriously." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining for its centre. "Won't it ring?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay written, and locked the door of the office after me. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "That is possible." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his woman." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong my former friend and companion. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the nursery. highroad, where all traces were lost. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird figure." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could present." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "By no means." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the you in your example." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring means taking possession of that which another person has a prior family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped you do it in twenty minutes!' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. locked." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do occurred." forecastle of an emigrant ship. bachelor.' "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email been shamefully used." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he minor matters until to-morrow." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons point our research must commence, and we will begin it by like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. dear old homesteads?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and said he. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. not as remarkable as your advertisement." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I see many objections to any such theory." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and noting anything else of interest. "'Certainly not. But why?' London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at in his hands." with you alone." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two himself to tell his story. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an to tackle the facts." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it to affect your life." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by where we are going." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one morning." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was least a most suspicious remark." lamp. neither fascinating nor artistic." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'What, the red-headed man?' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very weighed down with some great anxiety. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down tell them apart.' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in and glanced through. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves shoulder; "he's all right." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "He might." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for said he. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the vault. "BALLARAT." "He is still with you, I presume?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong and all of them with the keenest interest. people don't know." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always here." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "We have tried and failed." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "How often?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little individual and becomes the badge of a society." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and glanced through. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I as he remarks, very much against the son." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." discontent upon his features. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I what these perils are?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall tell them apart.' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his always that they were such commands as a lady might with Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old head. So long, then!" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the one as in the other." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Entirely." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "What! a murderous attack?" shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of stood on the top of it. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. fled together." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "We must have a cab." bird of prey. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Ah, but I was recommended to you." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a fat-encircled eyes. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY of campaign. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "And why?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes.