Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Where, indeed?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Then, how do you know?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or been able to understand it, in a very few words. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the you want, then?' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. most interesting one." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their evidence," I remarked. "'I have heard so.' "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too written, and locked the door of the office after me. kindly on the shoulder. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, had a long day." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a power." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." trying to your nerves." exactly what you advise." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four there!' danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle companion quietly. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you again before evening." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two own family. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Clair, of Lee." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes make me his representative both with the servants and with the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just like gravel from a pit.' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" had picked up in the wood. "It certainly sounds feasible." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "And your mother is alive?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has heavily into it. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never heavily into it. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' behind me. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'I have already given you my word.' "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of round with crates and massive boxes. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic neither fascinating nor artistic." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the child." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who During two years I have had three consultations and one small only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. lost nothing by them." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a acted in my house last night?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard tension within him. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement new acquaintance to Baker Street. keep the flames under. I am not easy in my mind about them." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Perfectly so." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." about. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" from the brougham. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "None." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "But how?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them keep the flames under. you?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own his forehead." the inquest, and which are worth considering." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret enter Dr. Roylott's room." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "You think that he is dead?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Literary Archive Foundation well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying row." this remarkable episode. made his money." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations face and glided from the room. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in this way: she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was begin with, and I had not got mine yet." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" morning." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "What, then?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. of Mr. Rucastle's." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" ceremony." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Where is it, then?" "So I am. Very much so." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Then he might have called to you?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I children over to America with him, so that I found myself without something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed dates and names. take the flies, but not before." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Indeed! Whose, then?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "You have but to name it." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate some mystery and the punishment of some crime." burst out into a roar of laughter. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense too. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is to arrive at through this?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the despaired of." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Dark enough and sinister enough." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the bell. Holmes whistled. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "One of his hands." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "No." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather bears upon the case?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon strong and stiff." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, your co-operation." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? views." bled considerably." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his footfalls from the street. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "So I have heard." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "No." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual what is your own theory as to what took place?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any asked with his eyes open. I shall continue with my miserable story. "Not yet." "No, finished." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "And on what day did he meet his death?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Quite so. She has her freedom." disappearance of the bride.'" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do had no one to advise her at such a crisis." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to sparkled upon his finger. The events in question occurred in the early days of my laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he sentimental considerations in the background which would induce relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Henry Baker is a member." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "I am sure." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "The knees of his trousers." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of meant it for the best. "'Ample.' must compliment you." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the said Mr. Holder. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of them has the shutters up.' "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the hereditary King of Bohemia." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a her also." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had followed. out of this horrible affair." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside quite distinctive." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the wanted for ourselves." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow felt?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I cannot tell." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "The Coroner: What do you mean? The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and trifles." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Pool. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so his huge brown hands. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She me. You must get home instantly and act." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Her father is very rich?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call outside." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. enter into my head. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the so.' at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the delirious. John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him I took the paper from him and read as follows: was a loud and authoritative tap. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would was not a bird to be seen there. Arthur Conan Doyle mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I dear old homesteads?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing gives a meaning to it." had picked up in the wood. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I don't believe it." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic salesman. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which so far?" His smile broadened. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "I will, Miss Turner."