knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank geese which you supplied to the Alpha." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "I don't say that. Perhaps." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one distance from the station, and there we found the young lady acquaintance?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the one as in the other." "None." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, will not take me long to tell. It may be so in this case, also." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Yes." "Then you may entirely rely on me." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I note?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" confronted him. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'As governess?' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Oh, yes, easily." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I have established a very serious case against the son of the money should be paid at once.' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those weapon." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Do you receive much company?" he asked. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your in your London, you will know that the office of the company is to-morrow." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "You think that he is dead?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "I guessed as much." It may be so in this case, also." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the me what he had done with the three missing stones. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I like gravel from a pit.' Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to forehead. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing maid will bring up your coffee." "What then?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Do you go out much in society?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two one's self under obligations.' prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Certainly." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "My own seal." "Well." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Indeed! Whose, then?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "'Never.' better grown goose." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out she used." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of the way of danger. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and when your master had gone out." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." are, and they are waiting for us." I took the paper from him and read as follows: would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be suggested at once that there must be a communication between the better in every way that they should make their position a little "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Project Gutenberg-tm works. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Of what?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very arrangements." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Was there a secret marriage?" read over the extraordinary announcement. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" examine." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her I took the paper from him and read as follows: me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Here?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for be sorry for having acted so harshly." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug this remarkable episode. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "And what then?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on wedding?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and new acquaintance to Baker Street. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Come in!" said he. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "And from a noble client?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "So I am. Very much so." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon outside." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "What, then, did Peterson do?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "What, then, did Peterson do?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in do.' "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I interest. They are important, you understand, without being slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" rat could hardly pass through." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "On Monday." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once morning." think, you have already met." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "'What then?' I asked. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already 'please.'" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." I approached. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" and your relations to her." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were here." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'Yes.' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and thin legs towards the fire. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs hard-headed British jury." indeed happy." it." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Certainly, madam." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural morning." "Then I shall certainly come." "My last client of the sort was a king." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "And when will you call?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a lamp in his hand. I think that I could be of assistance to you." your co-operation." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Perfectly so." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the closing the door. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Have you her photograph?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "How do you know, then?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his he. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Murdered?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so observed. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Street. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. depend upon your compliance." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. photograph?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious indeed happy." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "To ruin me." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Did your wife hear all this?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Your French gold?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in until night should bring an explanation. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are tapping his fingers upon the table. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the south-west, I see." with the outside air!" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been indeed which he could not unravel. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "What I expected to see." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "She will not sell." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in gigantic client. relief. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I conduct the inquiry." as yours." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him not fit the lock." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "In which, sir?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by take the flies, but not before." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Was the window open?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he back alive. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." http://www.gutenberg.net reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment were wasted." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a clang of the bell. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I answered that I had not. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" certainly do as you advise." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "What office?" Edgeware Road. "Of what day?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an