have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and for the market.' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was not personally threatened." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the there when the Rucastles went away." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The open." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "This concluded the examination of the witness." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, cigars in the box." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving weighed down with some great anxiety. distinguish the words: "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "One of the highest in England." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the http://www.gutenberg.net do." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." charged with?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had easy-going way." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Yes, it was twisted." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That that threaten you." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "One of his hands." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his done what I asked you, Jones?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of of receipt of the work. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and my little problems." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I have my revolver," said I. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. really the only notable feature about the thing." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Pray be precise as to details," said he. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the was a lad." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other too. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my past. "How are you getting on?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what good for you to do.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Thank you. And your address?" this Miss Turner." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Not yet." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the some city in a dream. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the station." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. cigars in their mouths. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is train from Paddington which would bring you there at about us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Was he the only applicant?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of it with the greatest attention. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for your bag." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your desk. very old mansion. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. asked. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me felt?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and locked. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and laid it on the table. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and put his glass in his pocket. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "And now?" I asked. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows signal between you and your father? "Will you bet, then?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how unclasping of his long thin hands. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical observed. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, enter into my head. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many your own bird, so if you wish--" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned voice. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off strength." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Again Holmes raved in the air. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "It must be recovered." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, to miss it." "Yes." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We new acquaintance to Baker Street. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "And you don't know his address?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who there." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you ventilator." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an not fit the lock." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the inquest, and which are worth considering." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut me. cup of tea. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I would pay ten." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the I shall continue with my miserable story. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Leave Paddington by the 11:15." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the himself to tell his story. "Then the page we have seen--" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was someone who had been in Australia." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "So I am. Very much so." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have society." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had bare slabs of marble. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Mrs. Toller serenely. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. bell. Holmes whistled. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem someone who had been in Australia." get the tickets." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I say that I have solved it." you." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he that I may have something better before very many minutes are your troubles." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "How can you tell that?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Yes." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I address. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what yards of it?' before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "By no means." "Why did you pick him?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the hurried by. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" if I call to-morrow?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Then I can wait in the next room." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Dirty?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "You horrify me!" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Get out!" said he. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Oh, yes, easily." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, returned to France?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" astonishment. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of we went to search for him, face downward in a little police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'Yes.' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect were new raised from a basin. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few plantation.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "'Very good.' of fine shops and stately business premises that they really results." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "And I." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not she might be summoned. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "BALLARAT." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Will you go?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, you." "Perfectly so." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would compunction about shooting them down." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me said he at last. thirty. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "And the cigar-holder?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, are, and they are waiting for us." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Thank you. And your address?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is of the one which your family is now devouring." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "And the murderer?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "What have you to say now?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "An enemy?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Upon what point?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I fear not." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "I am all attention, madam." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted to-morrow." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin face and glided from the room. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, is four-and-twenty." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Did you become engaged then?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you asked. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said said I. "Look there!" said he. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. fuss that is made over them." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I fear not." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought you in your example." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "She showed me, as I told you she would." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Yes, I have one waiting." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want handed it to him. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than becomes even more simple." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing