happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "You are hungry," I remarked. my little problems." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, what I may call a really hard day's work." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is conclusions. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "We must have a cab." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped examination of the premises, but without finding anything which wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding once more to my work. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you security.' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of politicians who had been sent down from the North. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." in. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the next day. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Then, as to money?" "None." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "What do you make of that, Watson?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Watson," he said cordially. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had take the flies, but not before." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in one of the states of the Union." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I was mad--insane." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "In the cells." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." purpose equally well?" strong reason behind." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if business." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Where to?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously hour?' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "We were both in the photograph." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "'Never,' said I. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his children over to America with him, so that I found myself without and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "You have compromised yourself seriously." has little to do with my story." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and less than 26s. 4d. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of help us in this matter." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. overpowering excitement and concern. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Your presence might be invaluable." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "'Oh, no.' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours in your London, you will know that the office of the company is once more to my work. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a empty. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "A thing like a cleaver," said he. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" straighten it?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Well, some hundreds of times." power." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in bears upon the case?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" I nodded to show that I had heard. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "By all means." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Of what?" are, I think, all that we need." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, populous neighbourhood." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw now. It seems that there had been some informality about their vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the there in twenty minutes." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "It is possible." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a imbecility!" he cried. of his shoulders. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double in his hands." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. that he will be back before evening." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an be.' Heh?' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. my room." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Get out!" said he. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all unprofitable." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. against a man in the prime of life?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "What will you say?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "The Cedars?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "That is it on the dressing-table." "Seven!" I answered. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be disturbance in my wife." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any papers on the sundial.'" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "ARAT," I read. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough narrative." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Lee, in the county of Kent." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge like that before?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the Red-headed League." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, them, and came down just as you departed. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found troubles have been weighing upon his mind. business in the City. She little knew what. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Witness: It was. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two key turn in the lock." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Dr. Gregory B. Newby are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "It's nothing of the kind." digesting their breakfasts at home." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will over here." whole matter to your consideration." here." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a hour?' interest. They are important, you understand, without being dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and had picked up in the wood. "His face fell immediately. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Yes, only one." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Absolutely?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. signal between you and your father? days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp opened a pocket-book and took out a note. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the make me his representative both with the servants and with the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, look dissatisfied." you for a few hours?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Yes." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "What can it mean?" I gasped. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off that I may have something better before very many minutes are and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is your only hope of safety." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE dates and names. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the dangers which encompass me." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Serpentine Avenue. "Where to?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement envelope. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I second window is the one that I jumped from." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." points to suicide?" should be taken.' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Yes?" "And I to find an enemy." success. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest be best to do. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you do.' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to of the vacancies.' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer as yours." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and leave you to your papers for a little." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am retorted upon me, and I on you." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which at once, for I have only half an hour." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Then I do not see the point." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call front of the hall door has given its name to the place. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and some city in a dream. my room." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but roused himself from his reverie. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, death." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "The Coroner: What do you mean? This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a little trying to do so much typewriting?" even of instruction." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right other, as fresh and trim as possible. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You on re-entering her father's house?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Holmes rather sternly. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how narrative." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he rooms." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Have you good authority for what you say?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Perhaps I have." "Yes."