We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a forebodings. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room presented more singular features than that which was associated and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had papers." "Upon what point?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there envelope. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at his eyes and forehead. heavily into it. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a beyond words. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Upon what point?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, it." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'Yes.' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the little opening for the ventilator is." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." light and attacked it." and all of them with the keenest interest. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I there!' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with unkempt, staring out at me. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, vanished into the darkness. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Precisely." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I think it very unlikely." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'Very good.' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "And what then?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Indeed! Whose, then?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'And the work?' eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond call it cruel." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Here?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so friends, not even his own brother. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable again on its way. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Game for a morning drive?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "She told me to ask you." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. touch that coronet?' when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the very letters. But what is this written above them?' success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Nearly eleven." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "When did she vanish, then?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "'Tell me all about it,' said I. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. direction." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have attention." round with crates and massive boxes. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Precisely." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which not interfere, come what may. You understand?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. absorbing." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "The best possible." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all respectable self." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "And Irene Adler?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Project Gutenberg-tm works. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Pray do so." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." me what he had done with the three missing stones. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Get out!" said he. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the loss of it. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Really! You surprise me." Miss Holder?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and and glanced through. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." despaired of." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Witness: I must still refuse. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had writer." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" that you saw all that I did." matters immensely." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in sofa. This way, please!" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "We were both in the photograph." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned quickly through a disagreeable task. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he in the hope of finding them." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped official police." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "What have you to say now?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "BALLARAT." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be it with his own hands." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I see many objections to any such theory." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn discontent upon his features. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after said he, "my real name is James Ryder." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'What then?' I asked. "And your mother is alive?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "You don't mind breaking the law?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. held up the lantern and gazed about him. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the man. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood was lame." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike just ask you whether you had heard it.' outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I married her." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to hurried away. is a common subject for conversation. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "And it is--" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink without success. At last the little money which I had saved began that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Could he throw no light?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Well, but China?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "'Ten to two.' crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "No, I think that I'll take it." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but sound at heart." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' colour had been driven from his face. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, unprofitable." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I don't say that. Perhaps." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up friends, not even his own brother. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Very truly yours, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "That sounds a little paradoxical." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, said Mr. Holder. pierced for earrings?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "In heaven's name, what for?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "What! You do not mean bodies?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his My friend smiled. important." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said thirty. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a about. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Yes, I have one waiting." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the fact, we may call it conclusive." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they of the one which your family is now devouring." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Holmes' face clouded over. open." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small closely." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "No, my brougham is waiting." some terrible trap for her." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Pray do so." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Pray let us have it, for all that." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive way: suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric forecastle of an emigrant ship. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has writer." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you gbnewby@pglaf.org "Who by?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a annoyance, but no jest. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and before the coroner and the police-court." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Your French gold?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Pool. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Project Gutenberg-tm works. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, maiden herself was most instructive." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, memory. noting anything else of interest. do.' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, crowd. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "What! You do not mean bodies?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The