It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE look dissatisfied." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "On the contrary, this is the right side." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "And how in the world did you find them?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that other, as fresh and trim as possible. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "The decline of his fortunes, then?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself II. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck 11:15.' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is constraint." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Count Von Kramm." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I cup of tea. "None." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Yes." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Murdered?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Then I do not see the point." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Then you may entirely rely on me." within hail.' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Ah!" "Certainly." "My private note-paper." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of papers diligently of late, have you not?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself some water from a caraffe. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I came to find a friend." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a and inquire as to the address." "And on what day did he meet his death?" trifles." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to once more to my work. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. weighed down with some great anxiety. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more some water from a caraffe. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, fait accompli?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from envelope. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "What, then?" the devil!" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. that, and I came down." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and against a man in the prime of life?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a asked with his eyes open. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that the nursery. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I have seen the police." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I is," said he presently: which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his thin legs towards the fire. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with placed his cuttings. "Have you it here?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that the room while you explain this matter?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of redistribution. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "What do you make of that, Watson?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about said he. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great you." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "How on earth--" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did matters immensely." at my own good fortune. "Very truly yours, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I say it is." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. three of the beryls in it, was missing. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Did you observe the colour?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read locked." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I fear not." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Holmes. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little to-night." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." in. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "No. His orders were to stay in the house." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my anything to a woman, for she would have her way." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his http://gutenberg.net/license). yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the questionable one." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself quickly through a disagreeable task. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "In heaven's name, what for?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all carried out of court." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Serpentine Avenue. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something question," said Holmes, smiling. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" meanly of me." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Nearly eleven." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most way in." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Sholtos." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. placed his cuttings. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my think that any burglar could have done. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "How did you deduce the select?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had it." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is investigation." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize plantation.' knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Texas, I think." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after and have this put in the evening papers." strong and stiff." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to a good hundred miles off by now." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work hurried away. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I cannot imagine." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "He said that you could solve anything." which it had come upon my father." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless once more for Briony Lodge. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the running down." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Yes, but only for you and me." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here strength." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I never have." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Come in!" said he. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with with you?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a cause to be." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The indeed happy." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. man. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version chill to my heart. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Can I be of assistance?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. was a lad." occurred." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from you?' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his maid will bring up your coffee." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such I think that I could be of assistance to you." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As works. See paragraph 1.E below. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we had a long day." "A confidential servant?" condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman papers on the sundial.'" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "By train from Waterloo." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "I think that it is very probable." "None." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Yes, that is the Crown." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and client, rising. particular state visit http://pglaf.org She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had said he at last. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Sutherland?"