villagers almost as much as their master. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped there in twenty minutes." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Why? What do you mean?" "Can I be of assistance?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our residence of the great financier. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Yes, sir." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Precisely." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Did you observe the colour?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Then I can wait in the next room." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the in my life." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I instincts rose up against that laugh. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George place of silver." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened she used." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Project Gutenberg-tm works. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Yes." dates and names. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is read it out to me." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, suddenly upon us." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "But what is it you wish?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the telegram would bring me down to your help." is so. I know all about McCarthy." "'You cannot say what it was?' submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Yes." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "What have you done?" asked Holmes. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Street. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a most interesting one." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies subject to the trademark license, especially commercial finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Stolen." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "But you have hopes?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "What!" he roared. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we completely overtopped every other consideration that we both purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in grasp, he hurried from the room. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small about here speaks of his kindness to him." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue me have 200 pounds?' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and thin legs towards the fire. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly colonel looking down at me. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table ways including including checks, online payments and credit card snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut security.' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until to have been novel and of interest." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the address that was given us in the advertisement. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been have accepted such a situation. key of the affair now." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." always that they were such commands as a lady might with brain must have something in it." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "No sign of it?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' on re-entering her father's house?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with searched, without anything being found which could incriminate quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain presume?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. the King without delay." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the stones. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Street. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Nothing." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "In what way?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke woman." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. o'clock is it?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Yes." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Well, some hundreds of times." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of which was all perfectly true. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always residence of the great financier. "My dear Holmes!" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the stones. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying crime. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself system of imprisonment?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Why that?' I asks. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "That is it on the dressing-table." "No legal papers or certificates?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "It certainly sounds feasible." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the window, rose as we entered. wife's character?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not father's place of business?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "At what time?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a letters?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "'I have heard so.' here." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon think, you have already met." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot that I am arrested." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Pray do so." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it empty. "That was it, sir." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'Never,' said I. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "And your mother is alive?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "The decline of his fortunes, then?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas to-night?' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I am to be neutral?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began into her hand at the door and which lured her within their ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed late!' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the Assizes." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible eat it." "Nearly eleven." way in everything. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Do you know him?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." residence of the great financier. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the families. Now for the facts. colonel looking down at me. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and six. Come in!" Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "He might." laugh and put his lips to my ear. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Only as much as we can deduce." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "I cannot imagine." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Yes." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it you in your example." acquaintance?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "I think it very unlikely." were unconscious?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "But how?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook main points of my analysis." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'Which dealer's?' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "You have a clue?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at breakfast?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "What is it?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Then I shall certainly come." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers tell them apart.' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "VIOLET HUNTER." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always I. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. roused himself from his reverie. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I ago." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And why?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss what is your own theory as to what took place?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End his wife has ceased to love him." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers locked." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "In which, sir?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "On your arm?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "What are they?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "But she will refuse." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. directors, with the result that you have seen." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the own family. despaired of." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little present." Watson," he said cordially. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a it means?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back been with you?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely gentleman's clothes. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if you, my dear young lady?' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California could gather together that I was able to avert another public month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." were wasted." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left is worth.' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the drawing your inferences." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the one as in the other." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried suggested at once that there must be a communication between the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his