murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his strong and stiff." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be past. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs 11:15.' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away spare." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis suggested at once that there must be a communication between the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself if I call to-morrow?" "But you have hopes?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which unprofitable." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Well, some hundreds of times." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been up this clue while it is still hot." "By no means." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "What steps will you take?" I asked. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can detained." o'clock is it?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' done what I asked you, Jones?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against kindly on the shoulder. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is her also." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become occupations.' act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. taking in every detail of the apartment. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the McCarthy's innocence. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Leave Paddington by the 11:15." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "How did you deduce the select?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its corner of the building. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Upon what point?" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Yes, sir." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Could he throw no light?" "BALLARAT." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after look upon these things in a different way." "That is easily got." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my success. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, exactly what you advise." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was acted in my house last night?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the certainly not very gracious." "Nearly eleven." "Of what?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Never." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man nonsense.' "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Yes." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like The summons was a brief and urgent one. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the during that time.' thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never horse could go." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's to-night?" I asked. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Nothing." "No, but the enclosure is." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought neither fascinating nor artistic." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Again Holmes raved in the air. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that written. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Again Holmes raved in the air. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "You forget that I know nothing about it." "The King of Scandinavia." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "And how in the world did you find them?" way in." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and of the efforts of the United States government and of the better about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a take the flies, but not before." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my will not take me long to tell. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the help us in this matter." have accepted such a situation. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not cause to be." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming it." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope your only hope of safety." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman tension within him. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me residence of the great financier. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed 'please.'" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to asked with his eyes open. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond think that he is innocent?" "Absolutely?" "And when will you call?" companion. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather grasp, he hurried from the room. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Texas, I think." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Come in!" said he. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us ran thus: edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "No good news?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'Never,' said I. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a all-comprehensive glances. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the one as in the other." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been maiden herself was most instructive." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Mary, has deserted me." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, lost nothing by them." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Texas, I think." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I will, Miss Turner." "And how did you find out?" time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "'And the work?' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which returning from some small jollification and was making his way "But he might be a bachelor." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "'Yes, it was gone.' companion. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the hand, madam?" I am not easy in my mind about them." "Very much so." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Whose house is it?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I see many objections to any such theory." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Lee, in the county of Kent." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it like that before?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Heh?' "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," at home. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Miss Holder?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" closing the door. his grey eyes. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. careless servant girl?" "Was she in good spirits?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work my friend's incisive reasoning. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, fashion which was peculiar to him. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was My friend smiled. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Very much so." into the room. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "There are none." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You dates and names. are, I think, all that we need." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he galvanised. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then trying to your nerves." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Never." "And Irene Adler?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the death." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in ordinary clothes on?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "And is that all?" all-comprehensive glances. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is and no precautions can guard against." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, one else, I think." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Whose house is it?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. the room while you explain this matter?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'Ample.' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into said he. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to he bowed and left the room without another word. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after occupations.' him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon wedding?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and his wife has ceased to love him." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long through." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the side-table." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his mysterious end." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose might help us?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Arthur Conan Doyle headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was upon a handsome competence. so far?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "No more words. Get out!" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable his grey eyes. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel might have a private word with us. him." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now it means?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "'Yes, sir.' Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any forehead. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of to-night?' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a me upon any point which I do not make clear." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "On your arm?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than pierced for earrings?" you." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous through." "Never to return." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. light and attacked it." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a License. You must require such a user to return or hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Whose house is it?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Certainly." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Entirely." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a fluttered off among the others. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'As governess?' "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a you." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the little opening for the ventilator is." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Countess of Morcar's?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly fish-monger and a tide-waiter."