charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary fatally injured? to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the room. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the green of the new foliage. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime article?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "And you thought he was pulled back?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. hardly wander." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Yes." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of eat it." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of meant it for the best. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and minor matters until to-morrow." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your examine." laugh and put his lips to my ear. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Munro.' "That is it on the dressing-table." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "May I see it?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Yes." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project good for you to do.' "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The 'I should be able to look after that for you.' present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "They are typewritten," I remarked. "No, I am descending." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Yes." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite good for you to do.' "My photograph." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Serpentine Avenue. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Ample." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. coat-tails." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a sparkled upon his finger. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Seven!" I answered. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most all that?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a province." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "And what then?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided think you a quite exceptional woman." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness walking." and a shock of very red hair. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I article?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "One of his hands." dramatic, in fact." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, floor. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "It is very clear." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for late!' "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he already referred to. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "What office?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "It is very kind of you." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City should be taken.' "Pray continue your narrative." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I was afraid that you were engaged." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." wanted for ourselves." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Henry Baker is a member." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon IS attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Very much so." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at overpowering excitement and concern. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "There is the writing." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "They are typewritten," I remarked. "There are none." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Yes, it was twisted." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you empty. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "By train from Waterloo." any more." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." it." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. neither fascinating nor artistic." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "But you were on a friendly footing?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the wedding?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all business at Coburg Square is serious." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and a shock of very red hair. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "But I am all in the dark." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after than to us. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the name is different." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. village inn over there?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his an introduction to him?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "'Never,' said I. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The touch that coronet?' chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' his wife has ceased to love him." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no it." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'I am sure that I do not know.' but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "In heaven's name, what for?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my are, and they are waiting for us." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. matter." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to to Leatherhead. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very in the hope of finding them." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Nothing." there!' offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "What is it?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. green of the new foliage. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in prepare for the new role I have to play." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Farm upon the left." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the affair. "Do you go out much in society?" imbecility!" he cried. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "A confidential servant?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider speckled band?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'About the same.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which to me. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort you." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "That you are never beaten." at home. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "And how?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and if I call to-morrow?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, confronted him. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in have an American origin." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Here?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Thank you. And your address?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a whereabouts. beg that you will break it off." Street. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a this poor creature." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. himself in a perplexing position. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a do." security.' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "And how in the world did you find them?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker crackling voice. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is to have been novel and of interest." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Thank you. And your address?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three giving me time to thank him. already referred to. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "A call for help, you thought?" towards the blaze. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring