laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation undoubtedly my uncle's." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do letters?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "No." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a fait accompli?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I never came back." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time unkempt, staring out at me. lips." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in him, that man would not have given me such complete information "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime ill-usage at the hands of fortune. some city in a dream. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a your own bird, so if you wish--" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "It surprised me." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "He disappeared so suddenly." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Stolen, then." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to him to be an active member of the medical profession." "It is very kind of you." intrusion of other matters." closing the door. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "No, distinctly professional." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to this remarkable episode. wife's character?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "But how did you gain them?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in present." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I cannot as yet see any connection." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that to you." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "And on what day did he meet his death?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is appeared upon the scene." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Never." been able to understand it, in a very few words. that you can jump it.' all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. newspaper selections." "9th. McCauley cleared. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, was a perfect sample of the class. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "The vanishing of the lady." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'You cannot say what it was?' the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' existence." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "He said that you could solve anything." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Yesterday." returned to France?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, becomes even more simple." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I should wish to." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he carriage. It was a chestnut." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Well." "You were travelling in the States?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Tired-looking or fresh?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "A call for help, you thought?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where this poor creature." of the vacancies.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Was your sister dressed?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for have I gained?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue right! Sit down and let us talk it over." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Leadenhall Street--and--" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone any." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could was once confined in the cab my mission was practically rat could hardly pass through." be.' is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and existence." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection out of this horrible affair." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very bill, which interests me deeply." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You have the photograph?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when indiscretion." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face it with his own hands." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "BALLARAT." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she McCarthy's innocence. For additional contact information: treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "You horrify me!" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I know where it is." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had little adventures." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from amused." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's been anything against him. He had for years been known as a like gravel from a pit.' for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Why serious?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the questionable one." skylight. himself. "Witness: It was. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "You were travelling in the States?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Stoke Moran?" said he. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich cup of tea. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day within hail.' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the his knees, staring into the fire. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock never to learn it at all." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." suspect him." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our before the coroner and the police-court." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the allusion to a rat. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others pierced for earrings?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the a little more before I quite committed myself. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I should be immensely obliged to you." very morning of my second wedding." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "My stepfather's business papers." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate during which he might have communicated with his friend the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'I have heard so.' For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, definite end. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and I shall be with you presently." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a did not hear it also.' "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the loss of it. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar see a sister of mine apply for." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism what is your own theory as to what took place?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father lids now and glanced across at his visitor. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at This is what he says: week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to questionable one." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all but preventing her from injuring another. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent than was visible to me." "My Mary? Impossible!" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room fattened it expressly for you.' while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than read it out to me." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." I think that I could be of assistance to you." in a very precise fashion." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. was not a bird to be seen there. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at keep the flames under. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." dead, shall be safe with us." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only back alive. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "It surprised me." populous neighbourhood." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "And I say east," said my patient. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the nothing with him." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked cost them two and thirty pounds." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, to have that photograph." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I fear not." My friend smiled. "'Ample.' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Pray do so." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "One horse?" interjected Holmes. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the if she died from some sudden fright." "10th. John Swain cleared. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father there has been an enclosure here!" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have have been better. It is all right." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and capable of preserving a secret.' charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Do you know him?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "It may not come to that," said Holmes. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE