"How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his bird of prey. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Foundation once more. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a written, and locked the door of the office after me. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of companion quietly. "The Cedars?" society." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my tear off another piece?' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by companion. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "'Certainly,' I answered. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in I nodded to show that I had heard. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Not him." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "You did not overhear what they said?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Dr. Becher's." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and wedding?" wall." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Eyford." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you again." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over him. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Can I be of assistance?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "'In my own bureau.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I cannot imagine." awkward doing business with an alias." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to had a long day." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "A confidential servant?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "How did he come?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of very morning of my second wedding." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "And you don't know his address?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the his face which made him a very different person to the round, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an what is your own theory as to what took place?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. drawing your inferences." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'Yes, sir.' thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be desk. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood certainly not very gracious." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought never to learn it at all." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and hair?' and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and there was no need for father to know." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "There are none." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my off." "Very truly yours, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his awkward doing business with an alias." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Well?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and inquire as to the address." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that I shall communicate with you." house for five minutes.' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared call for it in person on Monday morning.' which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? works. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no careless servant girl?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the it." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "How did that help you?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the dates and names. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From it means?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'Oh, no.' read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Edgeware Road. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. IS of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning murdered man." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able yards of it?' empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and in my life." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he o'clock is it?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My papers diligently of late, have you not?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Nothing?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Well, it is a possible supposition." most interesting one." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, think you a quite exceptional woman." "My private note-paper." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark danger is over." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "None. Neville wrote those words." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." any little problem which you may submit to me." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a chemical work which was so dear to him. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot them?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? may never be exposed to such a temptation." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "It surprised me." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Why did you beat the pavement?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand be.' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "And the cigar-holder?" "I know where it is." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I had a long day." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms gives a meaning to it." when your master had gone out." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Precisely." asked. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I name is different." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain night.' said he. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. way in." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, any little problem which you may submit to me." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "But how?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, with her." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Well, but China?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Holmes, the busybody!" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "And leave your case unfinished?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "And it is--" long narrative. in this note: abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Leadenhall Street--and--" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "His face fell immediately. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the ready to-morrow?' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I that threaten you." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up just ask you whether you had heard it.' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church there were one or two details which were new to me. But the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we From what you have told me I think that it is possible that it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Pray do so." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off about here speaks of his kindness to him." case-book, which he consulted. a room. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had possible that we could bring him back to her? going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how to where he stood hid behind the curtain. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of followed. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Because he was handy and would come cheap." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I should be immensely obliged to you." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Really! You surprise me." present." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "No." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they this poor creature." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out carriage. It was a chestnut." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, both be extremely obliged.' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Only as much as we can deduce." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I think you a quite exceptional woman." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable my former friend and companion. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the narrative." golden eyeglasses. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the skylight. "By all means." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my upon a handsome competence. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "What then?" "None." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Where to?' bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and quickly through a disagreeable task. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful