His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that himself. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found upon a handsome competence. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable distance from the station, and there we found the young lady send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my him to be an active member of the medical profession." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been in the dead of the night?' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Murdered?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging instincts rose up against that laugh. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon following enigmatical notices: visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every the coronet in his hands?" man. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Murdered?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made served to weaken the effect. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was figure." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." bird of prey. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little prison!" my room." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I would give my fortune to have them back." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the off." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not ago." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you cause to be." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more furiously. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come take the flies, but not before." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "My private note-paper." "Certainly." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each stammered. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the arrangements." "Then I do not see the point." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "I cannot tell." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning The note was undated, and without either signature or address. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "That is also quite modern," said the lady. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I any little problem which you may submit to me." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy rooms." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any which it had come upon my father." mystery." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. gone. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many way in." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." problems help me to do so." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never do.' late!' thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the his knees, staring into the fire. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for interests were the same as his." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Holmes' face clouded over. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." is four-and-twenty." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I business matters.' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Upon what point?" "He is still with you, I presume?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very of Mr. Rucastle's." "'I shall certainly be there.' violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and take the flies, but not before." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in back to my heart. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving house for five minutes.' been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for interest. They are important, you understand, without being hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of upon the sideboard." pierced for earrings?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain companion. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far your billet.' were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "What, then, did Peterson do?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the coronet at all injured?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel the loss of it. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At derbies." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an upon an income of about 60 pounds." in him." went to the Alpha were town bred." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our never came back." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the side-table." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of absorbing." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Who was the criminal, then?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up confronted him. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Nearly eleven." the inquest, and which are worth considering." legal crime." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. orange pips. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This asked. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after becomes even more simple." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips straighten it?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were electronic works either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "And that is--" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that silent! Oh, he will be silent!' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the dangers which encompass me." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of went to the Alpha were town bred." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly I am not easy in my mind about them." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Did he not advertise?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for McCarthy." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set with some details as to your case." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are nonsense.' article?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'About the same.' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "'Yes.' nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Arthur Conan Doyle over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided sufficient punishment." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer plantation.' "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere corner of the building. "You did not overhear what they said?" I have it here in my museum." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was and I shall be with you presently." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Not in a good cause." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were lectures into a series of tales." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an The telegram which we eventually received came late one night his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the nursery. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock unkempt, staring out at me. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind ventilator." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and did not hear it also.' depend upon your compliance." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the enter into my head. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." over here." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "In answer to an advertisement." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "You will not go there first?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as child?' knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their congratulate you again." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he spark where all is dark to me." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is there when the Rucastles went away." "You are all wrong." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Witness: Nothing definite. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." article?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Look there!" said he. purpose equally well?" "It is his hat." upon the sideboard." "And who is her maid?" charged with?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. in his hands." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. eat it." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Pope's Court, Fleet Street." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came observed. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "But how will you look?" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I should be taken.' as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "And how?" "How often?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white again on its way. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" charge against him will break down." detective. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I cannot tell." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the the salesman. to arrive at through this?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and which our visitor detailed to us. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than second." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it room had already been engaged for us. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore him to be an active member of the medical profession." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Edgeware Road. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "By train from Waterloo." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "When did she vanish, then?"