and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes there were one or two details which were new to me. But the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn goes." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'Never,' said I. evidence," I remarked. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches that?' words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." drawing your inferences." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the to talk it over. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Cross for the Continent." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; way in." to-night?' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress touch that coronet?' "Yes." What do you deduce from it?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing I shall continue with my miserable story. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would States. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Yes. He waved his hands." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round existence." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Look there!" said he. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'Entirely.' room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, trying to your nerves." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and guilty parties." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "You know me, then?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I would give my fortune to have them back." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the disappearance of the bride.'" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I meant." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It formed some opinion?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Have you her photograph?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I cannot tell." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a there in twenty minutes." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say few hundred pounds.' "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." who was a member of your goose club." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Then, how do you know?" "If so, much may have happened between." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was into the bag, and made for the door. obstinate." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in official police." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. papers must be those that are destroyed.' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'What, the red-headed man?' professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" that you wished to speak to me?' glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the of a light. written. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' business matters.' that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Then, how do you know?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too introspective fashion. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I know where it is." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the hard-headed British jury." what do you think they found in the pockets?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "BALLARAT." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Surrey." grasp, he hurried from the room. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which to have been novel and of interest." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. situation." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, at my own good fortune. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Doctor, of the paper and the date." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "And who is her maid?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her chair. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage pity, because in other respects you would really have done very of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "I am to be neutral?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "It's nothing of the kind." fire. You quite follow me?" "'About the same.' to take care of herself." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little crowd. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Have you it here?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked must be when I saw the door open.' "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the case-book, which he consulted. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Quite so. She has her freedom." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Only as much as we can deduce." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Can I be of assistance?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." My friend smiled. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the coronet in his hand?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "But I have heard all that you have heard." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you when your master had gone out." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course considering the formidable letters which were received by himself (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "But I am all in the dark." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "'Stolen!' he cried. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "What can it mean?" I gasped. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Ha! you find it so?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face new acquaintance to Baker Street. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a instincts rose up against that laugh. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual go back?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get went to the Alpha were town bred." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me you, my dear young lady?' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the crowd. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "How about poison?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to four million human beings all jostling each other within the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was enter Dr. Roylott's room." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not I took the paper from him and read as follows: Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in triumphant cloud from his cigarette. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "It is possible." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one telegram would bring me down to your help." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I said Mr. Holder. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have security.' "We have tried and failed." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and bore every mark of being an average commonplace British waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then disturbance in my wife." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Come in!" said he. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and of your young ladies.' back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she entirely devoid of interest." morning." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Not I." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in way in." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, wall." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth fatally injured? left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "And I to find an enemy." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was have accepted such a situation. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I remarked. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "He is still with you, I presume?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the general public were present, then?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "10th. John Swain cleared. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Deserted you?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." you, my dear young lady?' Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough sparkled upon his finger. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I cannot as yet see any connection." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them never came back." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "'How far from the body?' but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "What can you not understand?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back completely overtopped every other consideration that we both silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight opened a pocket-book and took out a note. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Where did he live, then?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. voice, changing her seat as requested. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Your French gold?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of union?"