away in different directions, and I went off to make my own to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest three fields round his house, and there he would take his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took you in your example." criminal. We have already had experience of such." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Munro.' believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that nonsense.' Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four giving me time to thank him. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Ah, but I was recommended to you." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of careless servant girl?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the grasp, he hurried from the room. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "And the murderer?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" you want, then?' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little heavy and sharp instrument." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their suddenly upon us." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Where, then, is my wife?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding future lives." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "How often?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the interests were the same as his." that he will be back before evening." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Game for a morning drive?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, your Highness to the police-station?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "It surprised me." dear old homesteads?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Yes, the wine-cellar." "To the police?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "No." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "But it has twice been burgled." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It waste of energy." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "It certainly sounds feasible." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that to affect your life." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you His name is Francis Prosper." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Will you go?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about any more." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow did not hear it also.' "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a for and were ordered to this address. business matters.' "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper my room." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'No, I know no one in these parts.' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they bonnet, and went out." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an this remarkable episode. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to learned something! Where are the gems?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "What then?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, morning." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Then I do not see the point." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I should like to see him very much." "What have you to say now?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Yes." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her handed it to him. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "And Irene Adler?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you public press." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking murdered man." as he folded up the epistle. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "It is very clear." was lame." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is happened." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "It's nothing of the kind." "Breckinridge is his name." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "No. What a strange idea!" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon man. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the fled together." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." experiences." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Countess of Morcar's?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous arrangements." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all bears upon the case?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark himself to hunt down. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and eat it." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you residence of the great financier. "He is still with you, I presume?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "My own seal." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. public press." never came back." him, that man would not have given me such complete information here." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. I. outsides of the windows. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "In answer to an advertisement." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I think that it is very probable." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "'Where could I find him?' It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the running down." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Was the window open?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's London for the present?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the best of training." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Not him." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "The knees of his trousers." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, London for the present?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting so.' the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "The knees of his trousers." is," said he presently: fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I should like to see him very much." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with during that time.' "You horrify me!" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way been deceived." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered already been minutely examined." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made at a side door. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "My private note-paper." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it you want, then?' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I shall most certainly do so." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Yes." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Yes, I have one waiting." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, of receipt of the work. one of them." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You have the photograph?" "No bad?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and inquire as to the address." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your before, for it was considerably after midnight. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to knowledge of the world." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. fattened it expressly for you.' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Come in!" said he. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which just ask you whether you had heard it.' come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some to you." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Just look it up, then." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." call the police, let the police find what they can.' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "By no means." "I cannot say that I have." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the made him keep the appointment." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you that you saw all that I did." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Yes, he did." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Then I shall certainly come." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Stolen!' he cried. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." strength." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Yes." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his residence of the great financier. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and capable of preserving a secret.' highroad, where all traces were lost. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Dr. Becher's." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all of this gang." "Precisely." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and later, upon the night of May 2nd." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Yes, that is the Crown." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, whether it answered to the description of any of their hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. 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 "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She invisible to me," I remarked. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." stammered. will not take me long to tell. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far suspect him." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. It may be so in this case, also." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "A call for help, you thought?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they enter into my head. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Sholtos." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an bears upon the case?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I furiously. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of been deceived." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up."