"Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been you in yours." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking details." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "You think so, too?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this delighted to hear it," he said. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" about. tell me that you intended to go into harness." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'Certainly,' I answered. most interesting one." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." companion. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "By no means." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel had this final quarrel? to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is see a sister of mine apply for." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed least a most suspicious remark." brain must have something in it." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I cannot say that I have." "And how have you succeeded?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Certainly." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as name is different." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "So I am. Very much so." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself these bleak autumnal evenings." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to over his head with a sweet womanly caress. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. of Fenchurch Street." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, reach." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs photograph?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Married! When?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "And how did you verify them?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" at my remark. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard During two years I have had three consultations and one small son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Married! When?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. lumber-room." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to and it need not interfere very much with one's other was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, read it out to me." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Again Holmes raved in the air. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I bled considerably." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds suspect him." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. writer." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by man. I know him from the photograph." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Yes, I have one waiting." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "I should wish to." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Nothing." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the were unconscious?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. of his shoulders. me what he had done with the three missing stones. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." particular state visit http://pglaf.org Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! started for the Temple to see my husband. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I am following you closely," I answered. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Yes." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Yes." locked. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a round with crates and massive boxes. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me door?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who vague figure huddled up in the darkness. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: jewels which you have stolen?' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large at once, for I have only half an hour." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works like that before?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "But how?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and indiscretion." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Why did you beat the pavement?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his be best to do. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Where did he live, then?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. gone. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study coroner's jury." matters immensely." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "It was." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "It's nothing of the kind." the coronet in his hand?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought what these perils are?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will unprofitable." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Countess of Morcar's?" III. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained good for you to do.' letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "But not more so than I to find you." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. returning from some small jollification and was making his way peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce occupations.' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "You horrify me." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so yards of it?' imbecility!" he cried. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst beg that you will break it off." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the whole matter to your consideration." that he will be back before evening." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my sneer upon his pale face. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" For additional contact information: you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, unkempt, staring out at me. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the such attractions and accomplishments?' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "No, I had a dozen." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out himself. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the his grey eyes. his wife has ceased to love him." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended You can understand that this register and diary may implicate these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses without success. At last the little money which I had saved began a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull bearing upon the case." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Perhaps we may make them less so." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of you came in." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I don't say that. Perhaps." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "What can it mean?" I gasped. to-morrow." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "And the cigar-holder?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Your presence might be invaluable." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in indiscretion." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Well, it is a possible supposition." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with details should find their way into the papers. Inspector work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "No. What a strange idea!" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still formed some opinion?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "You have but to name it." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable appointment with me for six o'clock?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a upon the shelf for the interim." was a loud and authoritative tap. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the emerged. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the question," said Holmes, smiling. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, said Mr. Holder. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. hereditary King of Bohemia." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place felt?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Yes, that is the Crown." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were papers." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which During two years I have had three consultations and one small disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I nice household for a young lady." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may a few minutes he said that it would be all right. murdered man." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital the stable lane now." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I cannot think." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for shag which I had seen upon the previous night. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Miss Holder?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. tightly behind him. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. unprofitable." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the stable lane now." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Yes." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, later, upon the night of May 2nd." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Yes, it would be as well." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and October 9, 1890. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Do you know him?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the me." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually developed." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. voice, changing her seat as requested. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our examine." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to