a very grave face. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the I held the little printed slip to the light. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his someone who had been in Australia." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a look upon these things in a different way." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Awake, Watson?" he asked. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece to Leatherhead. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Holmes." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. green of the new foliage. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in could gather together that I was able to avert another public back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a already been minutely examined." "My last client of the sort was a king." door?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the inquest, and which are worth considering." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I chill to my heart. it." fluttered off among the others. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "It is possible." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little outsides of the windows. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. asked. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "But what is it you wish?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "I have seen the police." all-comprehensive glances. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." London for the present?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my country, and eventually married, without anyone having a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it me have 200 pounds?' for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the to-night?" I asked. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which cigars in the box." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of problems help me to do so." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Holmes' room. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be there!' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their his fortune, and I went back to pa. in this way: a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Holmes' thin, eager face. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest fishes. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, to a more successful conclusion." Clair, of Lee." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch again on its way. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was is a common subject for conversation. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Witness: I must still refuse. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King future lives." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "And how?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, that I am arrested." go--none." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? strength in the others." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect about. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the how narrow had been my escape. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "He is dead," cried several voices. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Not social, then?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that I can to serve you." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the salesman. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly your room." "Was he the only applicant?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Pray do so." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "I will try. What is it?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Nothing?" States. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. did not hear it also.' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Where to?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." definite end. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, better grown goose." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and such attractions and accomplishments?' that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the your sleep?' kindly on the shoulder. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Two days later this same performance was gone through under scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I should like to see him very much." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous which was all perfectly true. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened would apply.' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely in the hope of finding them." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose is four-and-twenty." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend this remarkable episode. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "One?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in with her." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to appointment with me for six o'clock?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him important." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I shall be delighted." "No. What a strange idea!" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "And now?" I asked. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious instituted." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. lumber-room." "From his hat?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." for its centre. locked." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "What shall I do?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is your sleep?' "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Her father is very rich?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need individual and becomes the badge of a society." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that DISSOLVED. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to danger is over." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Surrey." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the roots. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate During two years I have had three consultations and one small single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still 1.E.9. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" is a common subject for conversation. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a village inn over there?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! never to learn it at all." the inquest, and which are worth considering." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining to a light-house. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a fear." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that future lives." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by is so. I know all about McCarthy." "And now?" He raised his hand. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." crime." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I galvanised. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears it? Did I buy the geese off you?" crowd. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which bearing upon the case." key of the affair now." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'And the work?' neither fascinating nor artistic." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and no precautions can guard against." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over burst out into a roar of laughter. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "You are all wrong." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door mysterious end." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive spare." "I have a cab outside." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "That is not always so easy." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his fluttered off among the others. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more figure." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Clair, of Lee." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Nothing." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. back to my heart. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil intimate personal affairs in this public manner." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and I shall be with you presently." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "What shall I do?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Texas, I think." His name is Francis Prosper." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I don't say that. Perhaps." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "None." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, forebodings. "Why did you beat the pavement?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, strode off upon his way. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "She showed me, as I told you she would." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "None." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "'Yes, I promise.' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his over his head with a sweet womanly caress. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a