and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "So it appears." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness case before our client came into the room." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. your billet.' month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a matters immensely." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: legal crime." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I you?' Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the about. seven miles from Eyford Station.' system of imprisonment?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited for its centre. "No good news?" of Fenchurch Street." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, what do you think they found in the pockets?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. http://gutenberg.net/license). not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "But I am all in the dark." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there and put his glass in his pocket. sufficient punishment." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Pray do so." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he there was no need for father to know." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing morning." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. hard-headed British jury." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his crime." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the stones. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple more terrible than the truth. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he bearing upon the case." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my seven miles from Eyford Station.' us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your showing my impatience. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of have got?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "'Certainly not. But why?' the Assizes." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I very peculiar words of the dying woman?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside carpenter." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. light and attacked it." that he has suffered." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the you want, then?' room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom some water from a caraffe. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, other lovers by making love himself." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of she might be summoned. Foundation Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "It looks newer than the other things?" night.' said he. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb heavy and sharp instrument." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress throat." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'I am sure if I had known--' of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was friends, not even his own brother. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "To the police?" asked. unkempt, staring out at me. really the only notable feature about the thing." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." you?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I never have." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid ready to-morrow?' and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I within hail.' had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the side-table." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they tassel actually lying upon the pillow. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty letters?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Then I do not see the point." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was minor matters until to-morrow." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then existence." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Yes, it was twisted." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Deserted you?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. never will be, entirely cleared up. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was awkward doing business with an alias." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several question," said Holmes, smiling. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a the salesman. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said little trying to do so much typewriting?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that works. his huge brown hands. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "But the mystery?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was presume?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his through." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect place of silver." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Yes?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "We have tried and failed." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming she used." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'I am sure that I do not know.' I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us answer." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his when you have done it." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "That sounds a little paradoxical." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors affection." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand come either from the window or the door. My attention was absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. detective. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small matter." "Ample." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he said I. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be help us in this matter." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Here?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Where did you address your letters, then?" meanly of me." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. cigars in the box." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Will you bet, then?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is hour." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a indiscretion." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "About a month then." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "That's no good." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he would apply.' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always said he. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the companion. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'Where to?' "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; of your young ladies.' "Your French gold?" Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in about. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "'A dozen yards or so.' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban man. "You horrify me!" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and laid it on the table. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of disturbance in my wife." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the any more." "And now?" He raised his hand. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've fire. You quite follow me?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For what do you think they found in the pockets?" strength of mind to control. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Ah!" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police taking in every detail of the apartment. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "How about poison?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of him nearly every evening." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" http://gutenberg.net/license). Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "The knees of his trousers." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself your billet.' at once, for I have only half an hour." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "But you can know nothing of this?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I saw her in conversation with her maid." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers it means?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him trying to your nerves." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything