as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the station." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. fuss that is made over them." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "That you are never beaten." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing and I shall be with you presently." in the port of London." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, is," said he presently: of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which not, dad?" she asked. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted lamp. the window, rose as we entered. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send note?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "You saw the ventilator, too?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "None." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the such attractions and accomplishments?' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Yes, but only for you and me." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the King without delay." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you gone before you can get him to hospital." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable what these perils are?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian bill, which interests me deeply." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business any little problem which you may submit to me." "One?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish be sorry for having acted so harshly." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly sake, don't!" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. were new raised from a basin. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Really! You surprise me." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Then I am your man." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her cause to be." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and everything which you would wish to know." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "One of the highest in England." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and it." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster exactly what you advise." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "What then?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone interest. They are important, you understand, without being as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch where we are going." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. tightly behind him. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I help us in this matter." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "It missed him, then?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "My dear Holmes!" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "'Which dealer's?' the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the bottom.' "Quite so. She has her freedom." where we are going." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." giving me time to thank him. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Yes." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and tear off another piece?' held up the lantern and gazed about him. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Never." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'Is purely nominal.' "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of My friend smiled. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the closing the door. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young tail." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. against a man in the prime of life?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Stolen, then." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' suspect him." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes she might be summoned. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, definite end. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Nothing?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "'Then let me do so?' "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I have a cab outside." chance at all." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should a little more before I quite committed myself. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" four million human beings all jostling each other within the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress could not have written that. It is the German who is so "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham always that they were such commands as a lady might with in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "An accident, I presume?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "No." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'Certainly,' I answered. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. followed. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I forbidden door. "No." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the address that was given us in the advertisement. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are The note was undated, and without either signature or address. morning." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Whose house is it?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. astonishment. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "It is solved." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is searched, without anything being found which could incriminate records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed is now desirous of getting those letters back." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Was the window open?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "What?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "But she could not love him." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, society." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, it right.' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, not, dad?" she asked. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest business." "BALLARAT." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine helping a boy to put up the shutters. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. flock.' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of weary and pale-looking. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Was there a secret marriage?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among exactly what you advise." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the best of training." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and quick march!" back into the street. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been triumphant cloud from his cigarette. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Yes, it would be as well." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must disturbance in my wife." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "But the mystery?" "The murder was done with it." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Where did he live, then?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, a little more before I quite committed myself. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a directors, with the result that you have seen." notes," he said. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached cigars in their mouths. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a an introduction to him?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Yes, sir." man. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Very much so." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Not social, then?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of was a lad." "But you can know nothing of this?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had without success. At last the little money which I had saved began they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "'Why that?' I asks. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might taking in every detail of the apartment. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. I think that I could be of assistance to you." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." acquaintance?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At