will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "You have but to name it." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Eyford at 11:15.' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "But not more so than I to find you." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, already been minutely examined." letters?" you?' instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "You saw the ventilator, too?" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'Then let me do so?' someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked fishes. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the coroner come to?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, never came back." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser nothing of it?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "No." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "At the wedding breakfast." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I cannot imagine." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." was already answered. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, said he. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She is a common subject for conversation. jewels which you have stolen?' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face impression behind it as though a window had gently closed about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross to me. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I was sure that I might rely on you." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'Never.' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "He said that you could solve anything." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Seven!" I answered. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in nice household for a young lady." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he villagers almost as much as their master. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his hair?' 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I important." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Can I be of assistance?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "And Irene Adler?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. was lame." "Then he might have called to you?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the six. Come in!" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; drove away. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary to his chemical studies. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple all that?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those it means?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length to a light-house. in a very precise fashion." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people bell. Holmes whistled. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I will do it." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me photograph?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a I nodded again. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to room. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I as the one I chose?' woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Now, then, what's the last entry?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately him. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. suspect him." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Imitated." charge against him will break down." becomes even more simple." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in what is your own theory as to what took place?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with hour?' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of 11:15.' clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't this man was intellectual?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "You think so, too?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "It is possible." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I would pay ten." there has been an enclosure here!" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Why, what do you mean?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "But how did you gain them?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the newspaper selections." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." with the outside air!" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have both be extremely obliged.' passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to beyond words. and a shock of very red hair. "Who was the criminal, then?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'Certainly not.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it the general public were present, then?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "May I see it?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond burst out into a roar of laughter. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the coronet at all injured?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the address that was given us in the advertisement. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their what do you think they found in the pockets?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot unprecedented a position." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end highroad, where all traces were lost. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so What do you deduce from it?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "She showed me, as I told you she would." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret any." and the whole place is in a blaze." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was man. I know him from the photograph." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Was there a secret marriage?" for and were ordered to this address. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Your sister is dead, then?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Holmes' room. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and arrangements." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of tell him that I know him to be innocent." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think excitement. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Then I am your man." works. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt himself to tell his story. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to fashion which was peculiar to him. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as never will be, entirely cleared up. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my said he. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "That's no good." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "No bad?" "Yes, at the mines." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the During two years I have had three consultations and one small man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of ourselves in the office." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. followed. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without him to be an active member of the medical profession." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "'Stolen!' he cried. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use You can understand that this register and diary may implicate did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a like gravel from a pit.' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a comes from the middle window." "What! You do not mean bodies?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "That you are never beaten." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "What steps will you take?" I asked. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project purpose equally well?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever have I gained?" may have an influence upon European history." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the you want, then?' "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney all?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Thank you. And your address?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. him!" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite hour?' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "An accident, I presume?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot taking in every detail of the apartment. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his six. Come in!" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with do." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who John Swain, of St. Augustine. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they public press." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had to some other building. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that chamber." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Imitated." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Sutherland. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still prisoner's face. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I definite end. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce her also." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the devil!" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias cup of tea. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. paper in the air. hand, madam?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so retorted upon me, and I on you." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the room had already been engaged for us. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Serpentine Avenue. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "She showed me, as I told you she would." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "'Oh, no.' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a have an American origin." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they your troubles." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." at my remark.