Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. are, I think, all that we need." she might be summoned. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the been deceived." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "I was certainly surprised to find you there." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we as yours." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he what these perils are?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked directors, with the result that you have seen." if I call to-morrow?" "Was your sister dressed?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "And now?" He raised his hand. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Well, it is a possible supposition." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite in darkness. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Yes, I have one waiting." shall not find me ungrateful." "'Which dealer's?' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. this man was intellectual?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a ourselves in the office." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Then he might have called to you?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "And why in hopes?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so them, and came down just as you departed. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. late!' peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Eh? What was that?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the became a certainty. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, For additional contact information: wedding?" Dr. Gregory B. Newby where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he populous neighbourhood." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, three of the beryls in it, was missing. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush chambers. hard-headed British jury." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "The King of Scandinavia." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, I nodded to show that I had heard. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so believe that I should never have any practice at all. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must villagers almost as much as their master. straightened it out again. to arrive at through this?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor late." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the IS a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed forehead. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the into the bag, and made for the door. back into the street. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social were unconscious?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I am all attention, madam." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy been with you?" papers on the sundial.'" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "What have you done?" asked Holmes. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "It is very clear." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he felt?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as the inquest, and which are worth considering." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length bearing upon the case." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "One?" "Absolutely?" money should be paid at once.' first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the served to weaken the effect. "But his left-handedness." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'I shall certainly be there.' right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the address that was given us in the advertisement. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in This is what he says: The summons was a brief and urgent one. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a is now desirous of getting those letters back." have I gained?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with affection." annoyance, but no jest. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore fire. You quite follow me?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you right! Sit down and let us talk it over." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that this man was intellectual?" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "What shall I do?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "No." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." colour had been driven from his face. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I should wish to." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is present." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone sit on the left-hand side of the driver." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "And I." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Tired-looking or fresh?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Very much so." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to to Leatherhead. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "That is unusual in a young girl." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, him, that man would not have given me such complete information Street. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer may never be exposed to such a temptation." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door shadow pass over his face as I spoke. instituted." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very take the flies, but not before." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that do." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was easy-going way." "No, my brougham is waiting." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the night.' whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and with you alone." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "And Irene Adler?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, tapping his fingers upon the table. I have it here in my museum." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "I see no marks." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back But Holmes shook his head gravely. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold gigantic client. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "And help." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by a little more before I quite committed myself. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Texas, I think." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "About a month then." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a skylight. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "How did you trace it, then?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that newspaper selections." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite in the port of London." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I His name is Francis Prosper." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural are, and they are waiting for us." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. me where it went to?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send brain must have something in it." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'As governess?' the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others it." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King jewels which you have stolen?' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO then?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Very well, sir. And this stone?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice your bag." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "How often?" the best of training." allusion to a rat. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of south, for the country is more deserted there." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon jewels which you have stolen?' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' It may be so in this case, also." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Very murderous indeed." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "But how?" permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the to take care of herself." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. again, where I was soon asleep. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven happened." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall