weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" union?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Miss Holder?" "Can I be of assistance?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." been shamefully used." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their round and wave him away like that.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage waste of energy." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "That is not always so easy." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the salesman. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds During two years I have had three consultations and one small him, that man would not have given me such complete information a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given situation." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing away to you." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Does that suggest anything?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have was once confined in the cab my mission was practically over part of the map. "What do you read?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Project Gutenberg-tm works. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to pictures, libraries, or plate. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two it means?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." License. You must require such a user to return or point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "It came here." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "And from a noble client?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" friends, not even his own brother. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is sake, don't!" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with if I call to-morrow?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "I don't say that. Perhaps." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "So I heard. You have him here?" I shall communicate with you." then?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" had a long day." own family. "I say that I have solved it." a monotonous occupation." galvanised. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Have you it here?" very old mansion. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "No. What a strange idea!" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to and the colonel ushered me in. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Yes." "How did you deduce the select?" "Then I am your man." "Was the window open?" permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and I shall be with you presently." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Only as much as we can deduce." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had him!" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not posted to-day." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "And it is--" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt there!' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we papers diligently of late, have you not?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these you, my dear young lady?' once more for Briony Lodge. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Yes." "Ample." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw there was no need for father to know." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the could not have written that. It is the German who is so true." is," said he presently: "We were both in the photograph." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yesterday." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight fire. You quite follow me?" "You have carte blanche." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Pray be precise as to details," said he. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, particular state visit http://pglaf.org prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "May I see it?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang assist you in forming an opinion." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall room?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. for the market.' name is different." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of was shining brightly. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps views." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "None. Neville wrote those words." to talk it over. night.' said he. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a or in danger--" a room. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so arrested. You then--" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Holmes' face clouded over. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It The police have openly confessed that they can at present make there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become interest. They are important, you understand, without being John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one little trying to do so much typewriting?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and have this put in the evening papers." Stoke Moran." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his London for the present?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "And how did you verify them?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, that I can to serve you." the house with me." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from light and attacked it." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what relief. "Yes, he did." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. that he has suffered." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "How long did she speak to this Alice?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such from you?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair me what he had done with the three missing stones. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham occupations.' "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his have accepted such a situation. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in a little more before I quite committed myself. locked. Clair, of Lee." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a and your relations to her." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' been anything against him. He had for years been known as a puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." any little problem which you may submit to me." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most said I. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of present." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. and your relations to her." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "So I am. Very much so." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I matter over." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, back alive. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid dear old homesteads?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Leave Paddington by the 11:15." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found begin with, and I had not got mine yet." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove tell them apart.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "And I say east," said my patient. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "But we can't all be." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." within hail.' Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "'Which dealer's?' nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you undoubtedly my uncle's." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the already been minutely examined." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Where, then?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, helping a boy to put up the shutters. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Yes." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Munro.' "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair sneer upon his pale face. you came in." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the station." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened shaken than I had ever seen him. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he very peculiar words of the dying woman?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "And Miss Sutherland?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly in him." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy figure." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and at my remark. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'It is locked up,' I answered. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. himself to tell his story. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Ample." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I have solved it." future lives." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "It was." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The criminal. We have already had experience of such." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in entirely devoid of interest." "Where, then?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation enough to aid us in our search." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, him!" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE companion quietly. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do and prosperity to your house. Good-night." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Come in!" said Holmes. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and situation." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a trying to your nerves." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known generous with you in money matters.' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room,