laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "An enemy?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we peculiar to him. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress here and I will read it to you: "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography four million human beings all jostling each other within the stammered. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." drove away. against a man in the prime of life?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "What will you say?" cigars in the box." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose upon the shelf for the interim." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her his forehead." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. laugh and put his lips to my ear. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "10th. John Swain cleared. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the said he at last. "How did that help you?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just to you." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was something of him before." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the stable lane now." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the second window is the one that I jumped from." "Never to return." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "It is true that I have been generally successful." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went stepfather?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon upon the white wrist. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Well, but China?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Leadenhall Street--and--" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we closing the door. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the your bag." walking." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and not within a twentieth part of the market price." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he pierced for earrings?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it happened." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "So I am. Very much so." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place again." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell that he will be back before evening." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction conduct the inquiry." II. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Quite so." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do disappearance of the bride.'" "Why serious?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "The landlord of the Alpha." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Yes, sir." up this clue while it is still hot." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "What, then, did Peterson do?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and room. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "That is unusual in a young girl." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in him, that man would not have given me such complete information with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it in the port of London." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps tell them apart.' taking in every detail of the apartment. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were late!' The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a felt the room to be a little close.' more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father tail." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "'Where to?' Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and him!" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO good-night and bustled off upon her way. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "My stepfather's business papers." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such nonsense.' dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried The King stared at him in amazement. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Henry Baker is a member." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent second window is the one that I jumped from." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in to his chemical studies. the Red-headed League." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, voice. some terrible trap for her." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his heavy and sharp instrument." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very have been better. It is all right." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, client, rising. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the coronet at all injured?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Very much so." peculiar to him. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I beg pardon." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was written. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a wedding?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the best of training." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Game for a morning drive?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Your sister is dead, then?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a you understand?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" your billet.' "Yes?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "No. What a strange idea!" "And is that all?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' forbidden door. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far populous neighbourhood." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Why did you beat the pavement?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be even so self-evident a thing as that." "Witness: I must still refuse. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same true." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "He might." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Yes, that is the Crown." "But how did you gain them?" "Yes, it was twisted." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Sutherland?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a I was concerned in it." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house burst into a hearty fit of laughter. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "You have a clue?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "What do you mean?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them door?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "His face fell immediately. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, charged with?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning letters?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "And why?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. absorbing." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'You cannot say what it was?' black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some in. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress bears upon the case?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair bearing upon the case." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Certainly." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "The knees of his trousers." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. stalked out of the room. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Her father is very rich?" eavesdroppers?' attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was said I. gbnewby@pglaf.org whereabouts. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "In San Francisco, a year ago." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind matter." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." voice, changing her seat as requested. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search empty. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to held up the lantern and gazed about him. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a showing my impatience. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key even of instruction." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "'And the work?' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Yes." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "He said too much." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in a good hundred miles off by now." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one I think that I could be of assistance to you." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked yet." confronted him. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that against a man in the prime of life?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, to that open window." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as nice household for a young lady." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "You have a clue?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. dates and names. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was things are very often connected not with the larger but with the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is mysterious end." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap,