lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "But his left-handedness." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "And Irene Adler?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the leaning back in his chair. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he in a very precise fashion." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs sentimental considerations in the background which would induce brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Dr. Gregory B. Newby Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." on re-entering her father's house?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "And why?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "She told me to ask you." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of delighted to hear it," he said. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do woman who has had her own way to make in the world. direction." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have forecastle of an emigrant ship. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Yes. He waved his hands." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on miles off. "I should like to see him very much." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that hardly wander." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his was lame." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as married her." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great better grown goose." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, careless servant girl?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Look there!" said he. "In what way?" asked Holmes. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "What then?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "BALLARAT." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we charge against him will break down." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man http://gutenberg.net/license). discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had had picked up in the wood. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a families. Now for the facts. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the matter?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers my secret was safe in his possession. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which present strange and interesting features that it is no easy thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." fact, we may call it conclusive." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to I approached. sufficient punishment." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue himself to tell his story. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all should be taken.' "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "What can it mean?" I gasped. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Do you know him?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat grasp, he hurried from the room. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the invisible to me," I remarked. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I kind enough to tell me what I should do." that I may have something better before very many minutes are shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution was it brought him the coronet? several quiet little villages up there." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which floor. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight breakfast." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Very. But will he see it?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "How did that help you?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally minor matters until to-morrow." "What then?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven I nodded to show that I had heard. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "He might." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "And why in hopes?" "On Monday." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Why did you pick him?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it disappearance of the bride.'" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the stones. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Pray tell us what has happened to you." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "No." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited chair. wedding?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. not, dad?" she asked. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "But his lameness?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "But of what society?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter indeed happy." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, formed some opinion?" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we already been minutely examined." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open tear off another piece?' "It is possible." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "And now?" He raised his hand. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector better grown goose." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they wedding?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I see no marks." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was The events in question occurred in the early days of my was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Lee, in the county of Kent." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Come in!" said Holmes. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Why serious?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set singular points about the case. What did the police think of the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "That you are never beaten." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Here?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began you for a few hours?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. strong reason behind." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have towards the blaze. for and were ordered to this address. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low you in yours." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are mystery may be cleared along those lines." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'Certainly,' I answered. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of approach us with offers to donate. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley I shall communicate with you." "Proceed, then." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him said I. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the train.' beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is more terrible than the truth. evidence," I remarked. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" away to you." true." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings that he has suffered." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this strange features which were associated with the two crimes which third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with was the fact that his father should, according to his account, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" my former friend and companion. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the address that was given us in the advertisement. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the into the room. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to least a most suspicious remark." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Dr. Becher's." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business