"Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone once more on the important position which you have been fortunate of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little emerged. "'Ample.' country, and eventually married, without anyone having a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the address. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "What have you done?" asked Holmes. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Yes, I have one waiting." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to are, and they are waiting for us." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first call for it in person on Monday morning.' of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Could he throw no light?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable eavesdroppers?' on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Yes, the wine-cellar." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "She told me to ask you." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. coroner's jury." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked believe that I should never have any practice at all. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's down from London to inquire more deeply into it." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those invisible to me," I remarked. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Sholtos." "You forget that I know nothing about it." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I am following you closely," I answered. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I was sure that I might rely on you." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly definite end. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." started for the Temple to see my husband. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from relief. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "You think that he is dead?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. appeared upon the scene." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an do." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do only touch the interest." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is have established a very serious case against the son of the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself and have this put in the evening papers." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and article?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, "No, thank goodness, she did not." disturbance in my wife." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's a very grave face. could go. soul! here is her carriage at the door." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss shoulder. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I investigation." "That you are never beaten." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our feature." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Holmes, the busybody!" do you make of it all?" "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "But you would not advise me to refuse?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. giving me time to thank him. "What I expected to see." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand hair?' "'Certainly,' I answered. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. strong and stiff." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Yes, it would be as well." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "10th. John Swain cleared. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the is so. I know all about McCarthy." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "No, my brougham is waiting." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "About a month then." "Absolutely?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic tied." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, letters?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "What! You do not mean bodies?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the that threaten you." "My private note-paper." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection in the hope of finding them." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The one else, I think." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six yet." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly her also." again." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "And Miss Sutherland?" himself to hunt down. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a official police." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Precisely so. But how--" "Deserted you?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Not I." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been place, I think that there is good ground to think that the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "'Entirely.' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg trifles." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and just called myself is not exactly my own." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to matter." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." said Mr. Holder. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" grasp, he hurried from the room. desk. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was flock.' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "How on earth--" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would IS terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong business at Coburg Square is serious." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." way in." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have everything which you would wish to know." "Did you observe the colour?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "What do you mean?" his forehead." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the child." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "The Cedars?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that cigars in the box." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Really! You surprise me." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which generous with you in money matters.' "I am in hopes that she does." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. prepare for the new role I have to play." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after invisible to me," I remarked. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they was the fact that his father should, according to his account, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so were unconscious?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and back to my heart. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "The landlord of the Alpha." had a long day." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a presented which may be striking and bizarre without being say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, back into the street. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. yet." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "I shall most certainly do so." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the her also." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "It missed him, then?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "That you are never beaten." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Heh?' "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "We were both in the photograph." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would I am not easy in my mind about them." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "When did it break out?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in she has been waylaid. There has been no result." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: cigars in the box." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed carpenter." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I think that it is very probable." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "When did she vanish, then?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which sparkled upon his finger. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a mystery." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." in him." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "The landlord of the Alpha." fear." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "She showed me, as I told you she would." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure questionable one." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." o'clock is it?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Quite so." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up The telegram which we eventually received came late one night really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "It may not come to that," said Holmes. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "But of what society?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Indeed! Whose, then?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Tired-looking or fresh?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City thin legs towards the fire. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." congenial hunt. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be situation." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "It looks newer than the other things?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining generous with you in money matters.' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too indiscretion." companion imperturbably. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'As governess?' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the station." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside